On Sunday I was in London supporting London Marathon runners watching in awe at the grit and determination. A day of inspiration.
Did you see Fetchpoint – a sea of red and yellow balloons?
I had an amazing day at Fetchpoint. Were you running? You might have seen us. A wall of red and yellow balloons just after mile 22. We are there every year – Fetchpoint is organised by an amazing running community Fetcheveryone, by runners for runners, for the sheer love of running. We have six teams on the day, and each team looks after a group of runners. This year I was Team 2 Captain with 15 runners. Some of the fast runners need nothing more than a shout and a wave; others might stop for a gel or a handful of jelly babies or just a hug. One year I had a request for lukewarm cup of tea; flat coke is often popular; and the team next door had a request for a G&T.
The marathon hurts
I should have been on the other side of the barriers. Sadly I picked up a groin injury in December and was not able to run for four months. No matter what level you are at – whether you are Paula Radcliffe finishing in 2h36 or my friend Donna completing in 7h05 – the marathon hurts. The elite runners come past so silently – it looks like they are floating. They make it look easy but honestly it will be hurting them too.
Mile 22
At mile 22, the different looks on the runners’ faces are really noticeable. Some look haunted and confused. Others you can tell are in serious pain. A few look comfortable and relaxed. Many look determined and focused. As a runner, if you are going to hit the proverbial wall, you’ve probably got through it by mile 22, or you may still be going through it. The key is to remember “this will pass” and just “keep on running”.
When the going gets tough
I’m sure all the runners had done the best training they could. But some have a more positive mindset when the going gets tough. What makes the difference? You CAN do anything you believe you can do. If you are telling yourself “I can’t do this, this hurts, I can’t run any more, another four miles to go”, then guess what, you won’t be able to do it. It will hurt. You won’t be able to run any more. However use the power of positive thinking “I CAN do this, it will stop hurting soon, I’ve only got four miles to go”. Then YES you will do it.
Believe in the power of you
Do you have something that you would LOVE to do but you’re worried that you’re too old, too young, too unfit, underqualified, overqualified or just plain scared, then remember this. Believe in the power of YOU. You can do anything that you believe you can do. There is power in believing that you can improve. Now you might be asking yourself, how do you get the belief?
Here’s how:
- Set the vision
- Identify the goals
- Break down the barriers
- Pick out the smaller steps
- Create your action plan.
The power of yet
Most importantly, remember the power of yet. If there is a skill you need to learn, don’t tell yourself “I don’t know how to …. “. Reframe that and tell yourself “I don’t know how to …. yet.” Watch this TED talk from Carol Dweck talking about the power of yet. You’ll love it.
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