Look Forward and Not Behind

I know I’ve been delinquent in postings between races.  I tend to write about my experience at the race and then hide within my shell of recovery and rejuvenation to prepare for the next race.

I won’t lie; it’s been tough between races.  I wouldn’t trade this journey though.  There’s so much to learn physically, mentally and even spiritually as I train and prepare for the next big moment.  I wish I could more accurately describe the feeling between races.  I think it’s like many things in life; until you experience it, it’s tough to understand the mindset and the emotion.

My schedule hasn’t necessarily been too much out of the ordinary.  My main focus is running.  However, because of my leg injury, I’m being cautious, to the point of probably babying myself.  I typically run four days a week and then mix in walking (my main point of active recovery), free weights, biking and kayaking where I can.  The challenge is balancing the rest of life around it.

Again, like with all the balances we work towards calibrating in life, I want to find that center, that inner core that brings happiness and peace to all that we do.  Honestly, I’m struggling, but the journey is worthwhile.  How else do you find that balance?  How else do you know when you have the right mix of happiness, healthiness and family mixed in?  I’d like to spend more time with my family imparting wisdom (even if I’m the youngest of the crew) and more time giving to those who want a hand or an ear.  I want to be selfish and spend my time focusing on my journey and helping others pursue their goals and dreams.  Who doesn’t want to go on their walkabout and find their ultimate purpose?

Life moves so quickly that stopping everything to “figure it all out” doesn’t make sense.  Relishing in each moment and taking away the lesson to impart on yourself and others is a reality we all have to face.  Don’t let an opportunity get stuck in the abyss of “one day” and instead embrace it and act on it.  

Before my leg injury and before my half marathon journey, I basically said let’s just do this.  That attitude served me well.  Once I started evaluating and second guessing ideas, I stopped letting myself bask in the moment.  I started making excuses for myself.  I started feeling sorry for myself.  I started sacrificing other goals.

As I approach the latter half of my journey, I know I need to look forward and not behind.  I need to focus on what I can achieve and not what disappointments I have let seep in.  Running 13 half marathons isn’t about running four times a week or running every day, it’s about finding and appreciating balance, believing in yourself and accepting that nothing will be perfect but everything will be a moment to own.  It’s time for me to let go of the awkward feelings (my times aren’t good enough, my training isn’t good enough) and just trust and believe in what I’m capable of doing.  I think it’s a good time to believe in yourself, your abilities and your dreams.  What can you achieve when you focus and work hard?  I bet it’s a lot :)  So let’s get started together!

Miss FitGab