Running: just a trend or is there more to it?
There is no doubt that running is #trending AF right now. Each morning walk with Mabel is spent dodging the runners along the Grange esplanade.
I’m not a “runner” but it’s something I’ve dabbled with off and on over the years.
I find it particularly intriguing due to the large mindset component involved.
Something I’ve always found interesting is that when I’m working with clients on their career, they will often set a running/fitness goal. It’s generally something they have wanted to do/challenge themselves with for a long time but it isn’t until they are in an environment of support and accountability, that they feel able to go for it.
I had started to reincorporate running into my exercise regime at the start of the year. I was really enjoying it, esp with the warmer weather (WTF is going on right now in Adel I literally have my heater and slippers on full power). And then I did something weird to my ankle/achilles and I was forced to rest it.
It’s funny how even a short break makes it that much more challenging (physically and mentally) to get back into it. Especially when it’s running.
Back to mindset…
They say running is 90% mental and 10% physical. Whether this is an exact stat or not, it shows just how much of our mindset is involved.
It’s the lead up for me.
“I can’t be fecked…”
“Do I have to…”
“Maybe I’ll just go for a walk…”
The mental back and forth goes on and on.
Until I decide to just go for the damn run.
Then during the run…
There is a whole lot of mindset involved.
Positive self-talk.
Pushing yourself forward.
“Just 1 minute and 5 seconds until I’ve hit my next km”.
The constant calculations of timing and km’s. IYKYK.
Running is a metaphor for life. For growth.
We can’t instantaneously click our fingers and run 10km.
We have to start with literally one step forward.
Then another..
Then another..
Etc.
One step at a time.
Moving forward, looking ahead.
And then after the run…
The endorphins, the high, the energy.
The mindset of “I can”, “I did”, I’ve done”.
It’s two fold: the physical AND the mental high you experience post-run.
Just last night I took off for my first run in about 4-5 months.
I put it off for as long as possible.
But knew my routine needed a circuit breaker.
And it didn’t disappoint.
It gave me the boost I needed.
A quick search shows hundreds of benefits of running.
You might already be a regular runner (go you!!)
You might have been a runner ‘back in the day’.
Or you might have never gone for a run.
Whichever you are, you’re enough.
And if you need a circuit breaker or something that is going to strengthen your mindset and self-belief - go for a run. One step forward is all it takes.
I believe in you!
Matilda x
Further reading on the benefits of running:
https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a40162605/benefits-of-running/
PS - I’m currently reading Nedd Brockmann’s autobiography “Showing Up”. Deeply inspiring and empowering. A great read for anyone, regardless of your interest/involvement in running.
