I am strong!

"There are only two options regarding commitment: you're either in or you're out. There's no such thing as life in between." - Unknown

One down and 22 to go...the first week of my new program is done. A grand total of 43km. Today, week two begins with a 16km run and I'm feeling motivated. All week, as I was eating lentil soup and filling up on healthy snacks, I would jokingly remind my husband that "I am an athlete". The truth is, I want to take this round a little more seriously, training and fueling like the "athlete" that I want to be. Not the older asthmatic woman who is injury-prone and needs to take it easy athlete, but the healthy and strong woman who is willing to work hard athlete. Big difference...and it's all in my own mind! 

It's so easy to let our mind go in the wrong direction, convinced by ourselves and others that it is the TRUTH. Yet, we all know how important our perceptions are in fashioning our reality. It's a vicious circle that leads to the famous "self-fulfilling prophecy". Here is one of mine (but not for long):

"My asthma is very severe and requires a lot of meds. My doctor tells me that I will always need these meds and that I may eventually need more. So I'm quite sick and it definitely affects my lung capacity and my ability to run too fast."

I honestly believed that this thought running through my mind was realistic (the truth). Being a psychologist, it is my job to help clients view life more realistically and in a less depressing or anxiety-provoking way. So, I truly believed that in general my thoughts were mostly realistic. There was just one problem. If I thought something was realistic (for example, I'm sick - and it affects my lungs), then I believed it. I don't think that I let it restrict me too much, but I definitely considered it. 

For some reason, something clicked while I was reading another book on healing. I can choose to believe  that I am completely healthy. No, I will not stop taking my medication, but I will stop thinking about myself as someone with health problems. In fact, I've stopped already. 

I am healthy and that means I expect my body to adapt well to this increase in mileage and pace!

Cheers!

Do you have any beliefs that may be restricting you?

   

First run of my new program - Check!

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

St. Francis of Assisi

Today was the first run on my new training program. It started with a 14km long slow distance. Well, that's not exactly how it went. You see, my daughter started running this year and she has caught the bug. So now, she has a part time job working for a running store called, "La maison de la course" where she also leads a running 101 clinic. I'm so proud of her! So this morning, I wanted to go shopping for winter running clothes and I decided to go with my daughter and join one of the running groups at the store. The longest run that was going close to my pace was an 8km distance group, so I joined them. Usually, when I do my Sunday runs, I use a 10/1 ratio. However, this morning, my run was non-stop and at a steady run pace...it also included two solid hills. It was a beautiful day and I truly enjoyed running with the group, but I was 6km short for the day.

I then went shopping and my daughter asked me to wait for her and we could run 6km together after her work. So this evening, when she came home, my son joined us and the three of us went for a run. How lucky am I to get to run with two of my kids :)

So once again, the run was at a steady pace and non-stop. This means that today I ran a total of 14km, as per my program! That's it, I've taken the first necessary step towards my goal.

Have a great week everyone!

Cheers!

Starting this Sunday - Byebye comfort zone ;)

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
Neale Donald Walsch

I agree that life is more exciting when we dare to step outside our comfort zone, but I can't say I've ever enjoyed taking those first steps. Although I've never regretted it, ever! 

Mostly, when I've stepped outside my comfort zone, it was to do something that scared me (such as teach a class for the first time or fly in a small plane). But, once it was over, it was over! I then felt super proud and glad I'd said yes. However, this time, the outer zone I'm planning on stepping into is one that requires enduring some degree of pain. I've been there a few times and it's not something I've gotten used to. I don't particularly enjoy pushing myself too hard. It's kind of nice to just run at a comfortable pace and enjoy the scenery.  BUT...

When I signed off after running my marathon in September 2011, I remember specifically writing that I wasn't looking to run faster. I wanted to enjoy running and stay injury free...and I did. Now, after a year, I do want to try and run faster...but, I'm a little scared. Yet, I get it that if I step out regularly, eventually, my comfort zone will be a little bigger...and that's the whole point! I'm motivated and ready to give it my all!

So I'm scared excited to start my new program this coming Sunday and my first long run is 14km. :)

Thanks for welcoming me back blogger friends...I really appreciate it!!

Cheers!

How often do you step outside your comfort zone?