Unfulfilled Potential

I love this guy’s art - Hugh Mcleod. One day he’s witty with a sarcastic edge the next, heart-felt with that all so essential human connection.
As a (self-competitive) runner this one hit home.

The Utter Terror of Unfulfilled Potential


A somewhat earthly creature as he crosses the finish line – just short of that almighty PR.

The expression:

• “I know I have it in me.”
• “I will do better in the next race.”
• “Never look back…”
• “Guilty!”
• “Keep on running!”

What expressions do see?

This post was inspired by the GapingVoid-100 people project.

No Zombies Allowed (#100ppl)

Have a great summer!
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A Range of Goals

I like how some runners are now posting goals for their upcoming race.
No longer is one goal proclaimed, but two or three. (As we all know race completion expectations are not so black and white.) I like this plan - no more finish before a blank blank time pressure.


Examples

Runbulldog numbers his outcomes with #1 as the most achievable goal.
“Goal #1 — finish the marathon with a smile on my face and a happy left foot.”
And then they get harder…

Runner26 begins with a summation “My biggest goal is to remain uninjured.”
She then starts with her most ambitious goal and ends with this; "I'll take it…I trained decently, ran for fun, and had a blast!”

Runnerkara has a 10k race this Saturday. Her typical goal is to beat her last time – despite lack of training or wellness...


Possibilities:

"The best pace is a suicide pace, and today is a good day to die." - Steve Prefontaine

"What Was I Thinkin"

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Quotes That Heal

As I said to myself, “No please – not my back…” my running schedule materialized; but like smoke from a Genie's bottle, it disappeared into thin air. I’ve been here before and know the routine. No running until the back pain is under control...

Quotes that helped:

“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from." Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
* Stop blaming myself.

"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten." Tony Robbins
* There is always something I can learn about my body.

"It’s human nature to start taking things for granted again when danger isn't banging loudly on the door.” David Hackworth
* I will never grumble about going for a run again!

"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart." Rumi
* My work is running.

"Don't give up. Don't ever give up." Jim Valvano
* Looking over my race bibs and times – I’ve still got a lot to do.

"Life is about timing." Carl Lewis
* Taking some time off from running (even if it is forced) gives me time for reflection.

"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." Joseph Campbell
* My joy is to just be outside – whatever I do out there will carry me through the day. I’m going to attempt a very gentle run later today. And if I have to walk – that’s OK!

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My Running Attitude

Steps to Building Attitude:

• Make a list of your running achievements – things you are proud off.
• Keep a diary and write down only positive things about your run. Look at it frequently!
• Pay compliments to other runners. And when it’s your turn to receive one - accept it as genuine.

Conversely, don’t let this all go to your head. You don’t want to end up thinking you’re the best runner in town.

Ref: Managing Your Mind: The Mental Fitness Guide

Have a great Monday.

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