Austin Run TEAM

Remember when you finished your first mile and how happy you were?  Or the first 5K you entered?  Or getting to double digits?  I do.  And I used to always celebrate my milestones.

I just finished the Big Sur International Marathon.  It was awesome!  The scenery is gorgeous and the race is well organized.  Bir Sur is beautiful, but very hilly.  And a strong head wind didn’t help matters.  My time was 15 minutes slower than my Houston Marathon time in January.  Houston is flat and race day weather was perfect.

So why am I upset over 15 minutes on a much harder course?  I finished and I ran strong.  But I was still not happy.

Why do we become numb to our victories (big or small)?  Are we afraid to celebrate, thinking we really haven’t reached our full potential?  Do we become cynical about our goals?

This thinking can steal the joy out of running.

I fully embrace the journey and that’s the real success.  I show up.  I keep showing up.  I persevere when I am tired.  I enjoy my runs.  I appreciate that I can run.

We need to be kinder to ourselves. Appreciate the victories - no matter the size.  Be happy.  Pat ourselves on the back more often.