Today's story
Run for Jeff
Today’s story finishes up— Chapter 34: Run for Jeff
Thank you for reading along.
In my memoir, Staring Down a Dream: A Mom, a Marathoner, a Mission, one of the main themes of the book was the power of our mindset not only in running but in life. I was reminded of this once again when I lined up for the 50K trail race.
Two weeks before the race, I got sick and couldn't run for ten days. Since I missed so much training time, I wasn't sure if I could complete the entire race distance. I reflected on the consistent training I had done before getting sick and decided I could still finish if I stayed determined. I told myself that as long as I met the halfway cutoff time, I would keep running no matter what. I believed that staying positive and focusing on my mental strength could push me through the final 10 miles. It worked! Repeating positive mantras to myself helped me complete the last loop faster than I had originally planned.
Can I do another loop?—yes I can and I will. I’m strong, I have what it takes and I will run this last loop for Jeff. He just finished four rounds of chemo—I’m running this last loop for him. I can handle this discomfort. I will keep going.
When my mind worried— you should have stopped or are you sure you can do this alone? I stayed calm, repeated my mantras, and enjoyed my surroundings. I let go of any expectations other than to finish. I was happy I had the opportunity to run the third loop. Despite the setback from being sick, my positive mindset and trust in my prior training helped me achieve my goal.
I could have believed the story that because I’d been sick for ten days and didn’t run I had no business running a 50K. Instead, I believed this story—I’ve got enough training under my belt. I’ve run marathons. I feel really strong today and I've been on the trails enough. I can do this.
I talked myself into running the third loop and proved to myself, once again, that what I say to myself, what I believe matters. It was my secret power. I can handle being uncomfortable and not freak out. I can manage my mind and focus on moving forward.
It’s Your Move:
Goblet March
Check out the It’s Your Move channel: www.youtube.com/@juliebhughes
I’m thrilled to let you know that A REAL BALLBUSTER: Untangling Testicular Cancer Together will be published on April 2, 2024!
Who would be interested in a Zoom Book Launch? A book reading, time to ask questions, and chat. Let me know in the poll below.
Just coming off running the NYC Half Marathon slightly injured, I agree 100% with the fact mental attitude is what you need to succeed in big time goals. It really is what we think that helps us through life's situtations. XO
Your secret power is your big heart.