running.living.believing.finishing.
It seems that as of late – I’ve been getting a few questions about running. I intend to answer those questions in detail at some point or another, but today’s post is directed at the source of the issue with running.
I must note that I took up running just this year and that there are many more experienced runners out there that know much more information about running.
What I give is what I know to the extent of what I know about it.
I love running. It’s refreshing. It’s relaxing. It’s a sedative for the chaotic world around us. It does not change. It’s challenging. It’s freeing.
But it is not all of those things for everyone…yet.
It can be.
The source of the issue is that people simply don’t think that they can do it. This can go beyond running into a variety of life’s situations; the fact is that people do not believe in themselves enough to follow through. I can’t count how many people have started their weight loss journey only to give up already. They felt that what they had deprived themselves of had something more to give them. That’s their story and it doesn’t have to be yours.
When I run – I believe that I can finish. I believe in myself knowing that I can do it. I exercise follow through. I believe with everything that I have that I can complete the task at hand. If it’s one mile, two miles, five miles, a zillion miles – I believe that I will give my very best effort to complete what I set out to do.
And I follow through.
It’s not always easy. It’s tough sometimes. It’s physically and mentally challenging. My vision gets clouded. My path gets crooked. But I believe that no matter what gets in my way – it will not stay in my way. I can push through the pain. My body and mind work together on one front – believing and knowing that I can do it…and I do it.
Running is the exercise of freedom. It tests you. It pushes you. Only you can run for you. Believe that you can do it…and you will.
29 comments:
Could not agree more. Great post.
Great post Seth!
Awesome post. I needed to read this today. So thank you for that!
I have been running for 14 years. Thousands of mile later I could not have said it better. But I wish I had. Good stuff.
OH! I have tried running , and I can barely make 2 minutes. Thanks for the inspiration.
Well said!! So true :)
Spot on Seth!
I can't wait until it becomes even more easier...
Any idea when that will happen?
Awesome post!
Wish you had posted this before my run this morning. It would have really helped me push through my last 5 minutes. I did make it through, just not at the pace I was wanting to keep.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
I enjoy running for its ability to make me see what I am capable of and how I can push the limits.
Great post!!!
If you don't think you can do it...you won't...if you think you can...you will. Well said.
yeah, I like barefoot running but I like cycling even better....good post though...It's pretty much the definition of the whole weight loss thing. Only you can do it.
Believing in yourself is so important. Great post!
well said!!
Great post!!! So many people are looking for an easy answer. It is not easy, but is definitely rewarding!!!
What people fail to realize is that to be a better runner, you have to run. And "run" for one person might be "speedwalk" for the other or "all out sprint" for another. I love it because it's mine and only I can run like I do.
I think your post here is missing a thought; passion
It is easy to see you have developed a passion for running. And whatever exercise it is you do that helps you be healthy, if you have a passion for it all the better. I can't say I have found passion in exercise yet, but, sure hope to find it in time.
-Patrick
@Patrick - I agree with you mostly with the idea of passion. The problem with passion for me though is that it can be temporary thing.
There are days that I don't want to work out, but because I believe in myself and what I am doing - I can still do it despite my feelings towards the task at hand.
What do you think along those lines?
I believe passion is a big part of the equation, but that doesn't mean you have to "love" running everyday. Just as in a relationship, somedays, the one(or in this case the thing) you love the most is also the thing you hate the most. I believe you can tell so much about yourself through running. That was the topic of my first blog. Are you the kind of person that gives up or pushes through? Running as in life can end one of four ways, it is what you do with each lesson that matters. This is how I see running: http://running2learn.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-i-run.html
Great post...because when i BELIEVE that I can do it....I do. When I start my workout with self doubt, I almost always fail!
Awesome post!
loved this!
@Seth, I get what you are saying in that believing in oneself and having passion are two different things. It is safe to say that from time to time we will see one wane on us. When it does, we hope that the other kicks in to make up for the other. Not having both, well, that's what we were like before we started these quests to become healthy, no?
Great post.
This is a quote I found that says it all.
Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right!
-Henry Ford-
Believing in your self is the only way to succeed.
Great post Seth!
I've always wanted to be a runner. I've printed out the C25K running program a bunch of times and keep putting it off for some reason. I'm going to get off the elliptical at least 2x next week and start that damn program. I believe, I believe. ;)
Good post. I believe that the same qualities required to persevere and finish your run even when there are a million reasons for wanting to quit are the qualities that will help us all reach our goal fitness level, in the face of many obstacles.
Great post. I do think though that running isn't for everyone. Some people just aren't runners, and shouldn't force themselves to be.
Great post today Seth. I've learned to really love (most of the time) running. I have found it's more mental than anything, once I got past the physical discomforts and built up my endurance a bit. From then on it's been smooth sailing and me wanting to get better and better each run.
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