31

Earlier this summer, we joined the rec center in our neighborhood, and I started exercising a couple times a week. (Hello drop off childcare!) But my workouts were sort of lacking in direction and purpose. So about a month ago, I decided to sign up for a 5K. It’s just a local one in our neighborhood, nothing too exciting, but maybe another opportunity to meet people in our new neighborhood. And I kind of like running. Well, ok, I don't hate running.

The race is in October and it happens to be a few days before my 31st birthday. So I figured, why not set a goal for myself of finishing in under 31 minutes. 3.1 miles in 31 minutes for my 31st birthday. It's totally cheesy but I was pretty excited about it. I briefly considered posting a photo of my new tennis shoes on Instagram with a blurb about my goal as further accountability- but quickly nixed that idea. I mean, how embarrassing if I didn't make my goal and everyone knew it! Plus, I’d already told Maddie about the race. And trust me on this one, you do not tell a 4 year old about something unless you are 1000% positive it's going to happen. Also, I paid the race fee. So that seemed like enough accountability and I quietly moved on with my training. It would just be my own little thing and if I failed, no one needed to know. But it was sort of lingering in the back of my mind… I wish I could share this with everyone. I’m pretty open and share a lot on social media, so it felt like a weird secret? I don’t know. Anyone know how that feels?

Last week, I was working on a project for Maddie’s room, and I was hit pretty hard with the truth about my running goal. Maddie often struggles with self-confidence, especially when it comes to trying something new. For instance, writing a tricky alphabet letter or going down a big slide. I've been trying to build her up in every way I can before she starts preschool in a couple weeks. I’ve always loved the quote “She believed she could, so she did.” and I thought it would be the perfect addition to an empty wall in her room. I just love that idea. Believing in yourself so much that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

And that’s when it hit me. The reason I didn’t want to tell anyone about my goal, was because I wasn’t fully believing in myself. So I thought about my goal a little more. 3.1 miles in 31 minutes for my 31^st birthday. It’s been approximately 5 years since I've worked out, so running 10 minute miles seemed (still seems) a little daunting, but also totally doable if I put in the right amount of effort.

She believed she could, so she did.

So I gave myself a little pep talk, and I’ve been giving myself the same pep talk every day since: I believe I can meet my goal. I am going to meet my goal. I will run the 5K in under 31 minutes. I will be an example for Maddie of believing in yourself and achieving your goals.

But I’m not just going to cross my fingers and hope my shoes sprout wings on October 20^th. I’ve committed to running 3x a week, and I’ve set some milestones for myself: run 2 miles in 20 minutes by August 20^th, run 2.5 miles in 25 minutes by September 20^th, and then run 3 miles every run until October 20^th. In order to train in the mornings, I have to wake up earlier. In order to wake up earlier, I have to go to bed earlier. In order to feel good when I wake up, I can’t have a glass of wine before bed. I need to drink more water. I’ve been eating healthier foods. I’m doing everything I can to achieve my goal. And most importantly, I believe in myself!

So cheer me on, will you? Or better yet, join me in the race? If that’s not your thing, find your thing! If you’ve been quietly considering a goal, be confident. Be bold. Believe in yourself. You can do it!

She believed she could, so she did.