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 31st 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 20th. I’ve
committed to running 3x a week, and I’ve set some milestones for myself: run 2
miles in 20 minutes by August 20th, run 2.5 miles in 25 minutes by
September 20th, and then run 3 miles every run until October 20th.
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.
