Believing we can achieve a goal can help us just as much as the physical training
I’ve been lucky enough through my work and running to speak and meet some incredible people, who have shown me that believing in ourselves is one of the most powerful drivers to success.
Don’t get me wrong. Training for the Dragon’s Back Race has meant that I’ve been throwing my heart and soul into running, not just reclining on the sofa and hoping my brain can do all the hard work – but it’s also worth knowing that what I think, eat, and how much I rest, is equally important.
For my new podcast I spoke to the fabulous Nikki Love – she’s taking 65 days to run across Australia. It’s been a lifelong dream of hers, and now in her 50s, it’s through determination and a headstrong nature that she’s got to that start line.
For all the planning, training schedules, coaching, and grinding out the miles; if we don’t believe we can achieve something, then the likelihood is we’ll give up before we have to. We get knocked down in training so often. It’s entirely normal to have a “bad run”, to sustain an injury, to be slower than hoped, to get sick, but all these knocks can throw us off course. This is where it’s important to believe in yourself in spite of these knock backs.
I like to fall back quite frequently on my laid back attitude. I think I’m writing this post because in two week’s time I’ll be “running” a 50-mile ultra around Somerset. It’s crept up on me, but my plan is not to overthink it. I’m not injured (yet), I feel strong (ish), and it’s going to be a bit like ripping off a plaster. It’s probably going to hurt a lot. I might come in last. BUT – it’s going to be a lovely day out, and I’m going to get round. I say that, because if I believe it then I can do it.
The years approaching Nikki’s Run Australia attempt have seen plenty of knock backs for her. She broke her pelvis, hit the menopause, was restricted financially, and latterly she was knocked back for sponsorship on this challenge – mainly due to her age. But you know what – she’s out there right now, running it.
It’s a hell of a cliche, but please remember that even if nobody else is believing in you, believe in yourself and they’ll soon catch up.
Vegan Fitness Runner 