Resistance

For the last two months I’ve been training to run my first half marathon.  I found a training plan online and followed the plan to a tee. I ran on warm days, cooler autumn days, through rain and shine. I prepared for just about anything that would happen on the day of my run.  I had my plan:

• My pace was set: 9:17 a mile

• I don’t drink anything during my runs, no matter how far I go

• I don’t ever have to use the bathroom

• I don’t walk at all

The week leading up to the run, I watched the weather closely, ensuring I had the proper “gear.”  I was all set!!! Or so I thought… 

The morning of the half marathon came and it was the perfect temperature … 60 degrees, a little mist, nothing I hadn’t run in before.  As I started the run, I was in a comfortable stride, had my music playing and got into my normal rhythm. And then things shifted … 

• I was crazy thirsty 

• 5 miles in and I had to use the bathroom (What the heck?!?)

• Dropping temperatures throughout my run … that lovely 60 degrees turned into 50

• Oh … and I was running directly into 20-25 MPH winds

• My pace was completely off!

In my head, all I could think was “what the f’ is going on?!  Can I finish? Maybe this just isn’t meant to be…” Throughout the run, I began to question … 

• Why are all these obstacles showing up?  What does it mean?

• Where do I / we stop when we’re faced with these obstacles in every area of our life?  

• Do I / we find a different way to accomplish the ultimate goal even if it doesn’t look the same way we thought it would look? OR … 

• Do I / we just stop?

With these questions in mind, instead of quitting, I shifted my mindset.  I realized that giving in to the resistance meant I would be giving up on my goal and myself.  And that cost was too high.                   

So instead I … 

• Used the bathroom

• Drank water

• Walked during every water station

• Covered my hands as much as possible with my shirt

Guess what?!  I finished!! Did it look the way I thought?  Nope! BUT I accomplished what I set out to … completing my first half marathon!

I leave you with this question … are you giving in to the resistance or fighting against it to achieve what you really want?

Believe in yourself, believe in others…what could that create?