The power of your mind
Several weeks ago my bestie @lia_sweatsalot did the unthinkable and smashed out a 10k, which is the furthest that she's ever run 👏 This got me thinking about how our goals often seem much scarier and unattainable in our mind than they are in reality. I remember the days when running a non-stop 5k seemed unfathomable and unattainable. In hindsight, I often used the phrases "I'm not a runner" or "I ONLY like sprinting" as a bit of a cop-out to not really push myself. The reality was that my ego and self-doubt was getting in the way and I didn't want to try something new only to feel let down or embarrassed.
It was only once I began hitting the pavement with my marathon-running boyfriend that I started to set myself goals and aim for the illusive constant 5k. After I had completed it once, I realised that my body was more than capable of it and that the majority of the work that needed to take place was mental. Once I realised this, my fear of running a 10k or 15k gradually slipped away. Instead of being fearful of a new goal, I approached it with the mindset of a personal challenge and imagined how rewarding it would feel to complete it.
It's well-known that staying in our comfort zones and sticking to the same old tried and tested routines is great for our self-image. That way, we don't have to try something new and possibly flounder. However, setting a fitness goal is great for building confidence, personal growth and self-esteem. When setting yourself a challenge, listen to the internal voice that says 'I CAN do this', dial down the negative self-talk and identify your perceived barriers to reaching these goals. Once you've recognised these, you can work backwards to take the necessary steps towards achieving and maintaining this goal.
That 5k, triathlon or hike might seem overwhelming when you're in the middle of it for the first time and you hit 'the wall', but remember that you only have to do it once to prove to yourself that you're capable of it. That feeling of "I knew I could do it!" will make it all worthwhile at the end and when you're faced with the next challenge, you'll look back on your previous triumphs and be filled with confidence!
It was only once I began hitting the pavement with my marathon-running boyfriend that I started to set myself goals and aim for the illusive constant 5k. After I had completed it once, I realised that my body was more than capable of it and that the majority of the work that needed to take place was mental. Once I realised this, my fear of running a 10k or 15k gradually slipped away. Instead of being fearful of a new goal, I approached it with the mindset of a personal challenge and imagined how rewarding it would feel to complete it.
It's well-known that staying in our comfort zones and sticking to the same old tried and tested routines is great for our self-image. That way, we don't have to try something new and possibly flounder. However, setting a fitness goal is great for building confidence, personal growth and self-esteem. When setting yourself a challenge, listen to the internal voice that says 'I CAN do this', dial down the negative self-talk and identify your perceived barriers to reaching these goals. Once you've recognised these, you can work backwards to take the necessary steps towards achieving and maintaining this goal.
That 5k, triathlon or hike might seem overwhelming when you're in the middle of it for the first time and you hit 'the wall', but remember that you only have to do it once to prove to yourself that you're capable of it. That feeling of "I knew I could do it!" will make it all worthwhile at the end and when you're faced with the next challenge, you'll look back on your previous triumphs and be filled with confidence!