This morning David and I were up before the sun so I could take part in my first run of the year, the Sydney Morning Herald Sun Run. It’s my fourth Sun Run (you can check out the 2014 edition here) and it’s by far the most scenic route on the running calendar. It’s always hard (“Hello hills!”) but it’s always worth it.
It seems that when I do this race I experience an annual case of amnesia because I can never remember it being this hard. Every year I promise to drink more water, rest more, weigh less and train harder before the race and every year I fail dismally on all four counts. Sure I would have loved to have run faster and performed better, but I still crossed the finish line. I did the thing I thought I could not do which is becoming quite a habit of mine, and one I don’t intend on breaking any time soon.
When I run my head gives in way before my legs do and it’s as much of a battle to think positive as it is to put one foot in front of the other. I had a(nother) epiphany mid run, and it went something like this… why is that I applaud and cheer anyone who takes positive steps to live a fitter and healthier life, whatever their skills or abilities, but I am constantly disappointed with myself for not running longer, faster or harder. Why can’t I offer myself the support and kindness I give to others?
So I stopped trying to be a speed demon and a negative ninja and instead, found 7 ways to yay myself which meant that after the race, instead of being down on myself, I felt on top of the world.
1. High five yourself for getting out of bed and getting to the start line. You rocked up. You rock!
2. Don’t worry about slow, you just have to go.
2. It will hurt but don’t worry. Pain is weakness leaving the body. (The Commando said so, so it must be true!)
3. There is no such word as can’t. Yes, you can. Remember, the body achieves what the mind believes.
4. This is not a record breaking mission. Your speed is not what matters, it’s getting over the finish line that counts.
5. Run your own race and don’t compare yourself to others. The only person you’re accountable is to yourself.
6. Don’t torture yourself about your time or performance. You’re still lapping everyone sitting on the couch.
7. If it hurts, it’s working. Remember pain is temporary but awesomeness (and bling) lasts forever.
photo credit tmluxton
Are you good at yay-ing yourself? Have you ever done a thing you thought you could not do? Do you treat yourself as well as you treat others? I think there’s a hashtag in there somewhere, don’t you? #yayyourself
