Before we talk about failing let’s talk about a major win:
Love Grown re-stocked our granola cupboard and both BIlly and I were jumping up and down singing our favorite granola song (that we made up one night when we were really tired) and talking about all of our future delicious granola and milk dinners for the next few weeks.
————————————-
Today is another day that I decided sleeping in was way more important than running, like WAY more important. As I was hanging out at my desk during a break I started to dread my run after school. I could not figure out why… I love the endorphins, the temps are going to be nice and cool, my legs feel ready to run and my Jay-Z and Kanye album is waiting to be listened to.
I thought about it more and realized that I was not looking forward to my run because of the fear or failure. I was thinking about the possibility that I might not actually get out and do my run, maybe I wouldn’t finish and turn around early or call my mom to come pick me up and go for froyo instead.
Sometimes I don’t sign up for races that I want to because I worry about failure, sometimes I don’t write about something I have been dying to talk about because of the risk of failure and sometimes I don’t reach out to someone that I want to because I am worrying about not being liked back. Why are those things a problem…why does our fear of failure and not being good enough hold us back? (Below quotes are from Mind Gym.)
“The bottom line is you can’t be afraid to fail.”-Jerry Colangelo
“Really it comes down to your philosophy. Do you want to play it safe and be good or do you want to take a chance and be GREAT?”-Jimmy Johnson
“The fear of failure, more than any single thing, keeps people in sports, and in all avenues of life, from realizing their full potential. Fear of failure prevents more of us from succeeding than any opponent. Fear creates the conditions that keep athletes from winning.”
“Fear makes you play safe. Fear makes you play small.”
“Where does the fear come from? Oftentimes behind the fear of failure is perfectionism.”
“Procrastination is a part of perfectionism in some people. Those who procrastinate don’t do anything. By not doing anything, they can’t fail. It’s an inhibiting, self-defeating cycle.”
I love reading and learning about the mental psychology behind sports because I learn so much about myself and why I do the things I do. Judging from the quotes above, my idea that I might not be PERFECT at something means that I start doubting myself and telling myself that I can’t and when I don’t do something perfect I don’t try it again for the fear of falling again.
I don’t know about you but I think a lot of runners are perfectionists. Our splits, miles, pace, everything has to be perfect. But what if it’s not?
“Do you know how gemologists tell a fake emerald from a real one? The fakes are perfect. Real emeralds have flaws. None of us is Perfect.”
We don’t have to be perfect (or anywhere near perfect), it just isn’t possible. If we continue to let that critical voice bring us down when we fall behind and don’t reach that mark of perfection we will just continue to get down on ourselves and fail more and more and therefore fear failure even more.
On the other hand…
We will never do anything great in our life if we just keep playing it safe. If you don’t challenge yourself you will never know what you are capable of. What does that mean? It means we just TRY AGAIN and learn from our mistakes. To become the best YOU, reach beyond what you think you can do.
Try out that speed workout that you read about that scares you, run with that group of ‘FAST’ runners that have been begging you to join them, run up that hill that you didn’t think you could and heck turn it into a hill repeats workout. Let’s say you don’t hit that split that you wanted or have to walk up half the hill…that doesn’t matter, you will learn from it and become a stronger runner and get one step closer to reaching your FULL POTENTIAL.
—————————————————-
“Look at fear as a natural part of growing and learning. People who succeed aren’t afraid to fail. Failure can be a better teacher than winning. Learn how to fail successfully. Hate to fail but never fear it. Learn to view failure as feedback.”
—————————————————–
What about you… Does failure hold you back from being the best athlete/employee/student/spouse/friend/neighbor?!?! Does fear make you play it safe?
Do you think you are a perfectionist? How do you try to overcome that mentality?
Favorite flavor/add-ins of granola and favorite thing to eat it with?
What workouts do you FEAR the most?
-Speed!
Failure is definitely something that tries to hold me back…..and I try so hard not to let it! It’s definitely what makes me nervous before longer runs. and I absolutely am a perfectionist 100%! If I don’t feel outstanding or complete as much as I wanted too, then it must have been a “failure”…no, no, no. It’s been really hard to break this attitude at times but I always try my best to focus on how much GOOD I get out of runs….even the super short, super awful ones (hence my blog title….pain CAN be fun! phahah). Even when it’s not fun…we’re still getting stronger!
Thanks for the great post! I loved it. Have a great night! :)
Speed workouts are definitely the scariest because they are the ones that tell me whether or not “I AM READY” to rock my goal time…but the fear somehow ignites me to push harder, I love the feeling of not knowing and getting to choose if I catch or drop the ball during my speed workouts.
I have learned to stop fearing them because I always learn something from EVERY run I go on; that alone makes me excited!
I hope you have a wonderful run…ROCK IT GIRLLL!!!
xoxo!
I’m really intimidated by speed work- I’ve just been plugging along with my running, adding distance, but I’m SLOW! I don’t know what I’m so worried about either- failing? Looking like an idiot? Maybe tomorrow I’ll hope on the treadmill and try the speed workout I e-mailed to myself last week…
I have a fear of getting injured while training for a race … because I hate the idea of spending money on a race and then not being able to run! But I know if I don’t get past that, I’ll never get any faster!!
My long runs are always a double edged sword– I look forward to the freedom they give me but I’m also nervous because they are always longer than I’ve gone in the past. What if I can’t go that far?!
PS Why does it say that Billy wrote this post?! Just curious :)
I totally hear you about the long run…excitement and fear:) My internet was down so I had to post from Billy’s computer!! Have a great day Heather.
OMG is that you right before the finish line?? If so, were you ok??
Right after! Yes, I was but I was so tired…..who would have thought that a marathon was that exhausting ha:)
I think fear holds me back from being my best. I am generally petrified of getting my feelings hurt or being rejected — or when it comes to running I fear failing or even pushing too hard (my sister regularly sends me articles on exercised induced strokes because she things I run too much, haha).
I fear the workouts/runs that come after a several days in a row of running. I am generally so tired and crawling towards my rest day!
You should have another blogger hang out soon, because (even though I don’t blog) I would really love an excuse to head back to Utah County to meet you and fellow runners and chat in person! Can you believe that I do not have a SINGLE runner friend?! Travesty.
This post hits the spot! I think everyone suffers from fear, which can also overlap into insecurity. Feeling like you can’t get the promotion, or succeed at a sport, or land a dream mate or whatever! Everyone gets scared. Some hide it better than others. What’s helped me is thinking why not me?? Why is that person more competent? I am just as good, as smart as capable. I think of all those that have much less whether it might be lost loves ones, or fatal injuries, or god forbid handicaps. It IS all in your head. Fake it until you make it. Believe in YOURSELF. And I agree, you can’t aim to be perfect.
I went out on a limb with a guy the other day. Put it all out there. Let’s just say it didn’t come back. Yes I feel kinda crappy. BUT I also feel STRONG. How many people go for what they want and put themselves out there? Also, now I know and can move on :P
The workout I fear most is a LONG run >10 miles. BUT I’m getting a garmin and going for it this month :)
xo
I think you were reading my mind. I am a slow runner and I don’t enjoy posting my race times or PRs because I’m not happy with them. I signed up for a half marathon next month and wanted to blog about it in advance, but once I post that blog I feel like I will accountable for my race results. Therefore, I am holding back for fear that I won’t do well. If I don’t blog about it and don’t do well, then I feel I can just not say anything about it and nobody will be the wiser… but if I do well then I have the flexibility to blog about it afterwards!
The thing is, whenever I read about other bloggers’ “failures” I NEVER judge them or think less of them because of it. So I don’t know why I am so afraid of what people might think of me if I have a bad race, etc. Sigh.
I love love LOVE the quote about the real and fake emeralds!
I struggle with this, a lot. I can be impossibly hard on myself. But I am learning that sometimes taking a step back gives the chance for me to refocus on what’s most important to me. And sometimes that means just stopping the things I feel like I should do. With all the day to day it’s so easy to lose sight of why we do what makes us happy.
OK, I’ve seen that photo of you after the marathon a couple times on your blog-I need a story behind it!
HEY YOU!! Pretty much every muscle in my body went limp as soon as I finished my first marathon….I was only down for a minute or two:)
Ha, I love that you have a granola song!! Too funny!
Loved this post.
I fear my long runs at times. I love to do them & see them as a little adventure, complete with snacks (GU)!
Lately I am so worried about tweaking my knee or foot this close to my half, so I run slower & even started to take some walk breaks. I hate fear!
Great great great post Janae! It you had any fear of failure in writing about this topic, consider it BEAT :)
I am definitely a perfectionist but I try to combat it by observing others to see when their end point is as far a studying for an exam, finishing a workout, etc.
My most feared workout is anything long distance! Long runs or extended time on cardio equipment at the gym are such a mental challenge for me!
I totally needed to hear that! I ran my 2nd marathon in January and am on my way training for my third in April (Eugene, OR). My second was hilly and hard and I had to walk through water stops @ miles 23, 24 and 25. I need to look at this not with sadness, but with clear eyes to look forward to what I could do differently in Eugene! THANKS! I also need to read that book! :) If you have any other running MUST read please pass them on!
i love this post janae – all great things you’re saying here! i definitely have a perfectionistic personality which drives me nutzo sometimes. i constantly have people telling me that i’m “too hard on myself”, which i know i am. it’s something i need to continue to work on. loved all the quotes you shared too! :)
I fear setting a time goal for races because what if I don’t make it? I literally have nightmares about finishing 1 minute over an imagined time goal.
I’m not sure I have a most “feared” workout. Just ones I’m too lazy to do on a regular basis. Like tempo runs and speed work.
My favorite granola is Nature’s Path Ancient Grains. I believe it’s only sold at Costco. I love to eat it with plain greek yogurt, with almond milk and peanut butter, and with oatmeal with bananas and peanut butter. My boyfriend says it’s weird that I like putting oats on top of my oats.
Great post… I really needed to read this today! I’ve been dreading runs as my half marathon creeps closer (10 days left!) and I’m sure it’s because I’m terrified that I won’t make my goal. I’m a massive perfectionist, but I’m working on it.
I really want to read Mind Gym, I’m going to see if I can download it tonight!! Thanks again for the post… I absolutely love reading your blog :) It’s great to read about running topics from another runner who experiences it too.. and I love reading your suggestions on how to get past obstacles.
My teachers would always comment on how fearful I was. One report card said I was “a bright, kind, and creative student, but sometimes afraid to leave her desk.” Really! I am still very shy, although I’ve come a long way. My mom nailed it when she called me an extroverted introvert. (Meaning, I don’t look shy, but my inside is a different story.) For me, it definitely gets in the way of relationships. I am so afraid of not being liked. I can’t tell you how many times my now good friends have told me that they were afraid to approach me at first because I looked so aloof. Then they realized that I was just shy, and would give them the shirt off my back to be their friend.
So, yes, I get this. :)
Most feared workout for me right now is anything to do with plyometrics or dynamic movements… Every time I’ve tried over the past several months, it set my pelvic stress fracture back. I can even run but when I add that to the mix, it’s back to the bench again!
I’m glad you wrote this, and I hope you realize how many friends you have. Nothing to be afraid of at all!!! :-)
Fear definitely holds me back when it comes to running. If I am training to increase my splits, I will hold back too much in the beginning of my run because I’m afraid that I won’t have enough left in my legs/lungs by the end of the run. I have gotten better at pushing myself throughout my entire run, and not holding back too much. But still, my biggest fear most of the time is attempting 10 miles and hitting an un-breakable wall at mile 4.
I LOVEE putting granola on top an Acai Smoothie. I seriously ate this for at least one meal per day when I worked at a smoothie place.
I think that, deep down, I am a total perfectionist. However, during day to day things, I feel like I am never perfect.. probably because I spend too much time focusing on my imperfections… go figure:)
So needed to hear this today! I loved everything about this post! I’m such a perfectionist and it is mu weakness. I try to remind myself that if you try to be perfect, then I am setting myself up for failure. I’ve learned some if the best lessons in my life through my failures!
The fear of failure is always with me. I’ve always dreamed of doing a marathon but haven’t signed up for one just because of the what ifs. What if I can’t finish? What if I have to spend way to much time away from my family on the weekend to train? I’ve come to the realization that I need to do this for me. Don’t think about that what ifs and think of the positive. 2012 is the year of the marathon for me!
I’m a total perfectionist and your atitude about your speed run today was totally how I was feeling today about mine! I was dreading it and was coming up with all types of excuses to do anything BUT run. I chose to run and hope for the best. It went great too! I felt so proud of myself for pushing and doing something out of my comfort zone. Awesome post and awesome quotes!!! Thanks!!!
This post came at a great time for me. I’m freaking out about my half-marathon coming up…the longest run I’ve done is 8 miles, and I’m scared of not “doing my best.” I know I will finish, whether I have to walk across the finish line or not, but not being “perfect” is scary…this is a good reminder to GET OUT THERE because there’s no telling what can happen.
Fear definitely makes me play it safe with exercise. I’ve been getting a little better at trying new things (going for a faster pace, or a new exercise class), though.
I am absolutely a perfectionist. I’ve come to think, “Perfect or not, good or not, you need to get it done and be proud that you tried.”
I am addicted to Raspberry Fields granola. French Apple Pie granola that tastes like apple pie, OH YES!!
Spinning. I am terrified of spinning. I think I have to reach a point where I am no longer hit by OH MY GOSH, THIS IS SO HARD (what I once thought about running…) so after my half I am out to take some spinning classes to conquer my fear. I’m on the way!
This is crazy, I’m actually talking about this in my post tomorrow. I realized recently that I’ve really been holding back because I’m afraid I’ll fail. I had a speed work run this week – 6 miles, 1600 x 3 @8:00 with 800 jogs between. The thought of having to run a mile at 8:00 scared me, I didn’t think I could do it, I hadn’t done it in ages. I put off the run a day and then today I had to do it, no excuses left. I literally stood on the treadmill in the gym practically shaking trying to come up with some reason not to start. But then I did, and I did the whole run, and I rocked it. 8:00 min/miles was no where near as fast as I’d imagined in my head. It was all in my head! I really need to remind myself that yes, you might fail, but SO WHAT? It’s okay not to be perfect! I have a hard time with that…
My question is, who COULDN’T like you? you’re such a likeable person!
Right now EVERYTHING about running scares me. Since the longest run I’ve done in about 4 months has been 4 miles, and I’m just now (I hope *knock on wood, cross fingers, throw salt over my left shoulder*) getting over the tendonitis, I’m so, so, so scared that it’ll come back once I increase my miles, especially since last time I was in PT for it I was still able to do 15+ mile long runs, but then a month after PT I screwed it all up.
Such a good post. It’s difficult being a perfectionist, and you’re right I think a lot of runners are. But it definitely helps to fight the comfort zone, fight the fear and face it, or we won’t grow as people or runners! :) So true.
My dearest Janae-
If I could, I’d call you up we would go get fro yo, take it to go and eat it in some zen coffee shop while having deep conversation on this topic. We’d leave after hours (we’d really have to savor the fro-yo) and I think we would be more enlightened and more confident then where we started.
So much to say, but I’ll keep it short. Maybe reflect on if it is worse with running because of the pressure to maintain the quality/standard you set for yourself in that arena?
Are these feeling cyclical? Go back and read some of your posts about being so madly in love with running…….I can remember some of recent……and that will give you confidence that this too shall pass……so you don’t FEAR you lost your love just cause you’re not motivated this am or tonight.
-E
I feel your fear. I am training for my first marathon alone which means that I do all of the long runs alone and the fear of not completing those long runs is immense. It is easier when you are running with others. But, conquering these fears is what makes us stronger!
love this. thanks so much for being so honest and talking about this. i hold myself back alot because i fear failure. i dont think im a perfectionist, but i hate failing. in running, in making friends (scared they wont like me) in work. its inhibiting to where i can do anything, but its just that nagging in the back of your mind. you are awesome and i hope your run went amazing after you realized your fear
love this post Janae! So true that runners tend to be perfectionists. I fear speed work the most. I almost always try to go conservative in the first few intervals because I’m scared I’ll totally bonk near the end if I don’t.
I actually DNF-Ed my first marathon attempt, dropping out at 21 miles. I was really embarrassed and scared of the distance after, but a little over two years later I successfully completed a marathon, even BQ-ed! I was able to do it by staying positive in my training, saying to myself I WILL run a marathon rather than focusing on the past failure. It is true that everyone fails and the most important thing is to learn from it and move on.
This post couldn’t come at a better time! I have my 4th half marathon this weekend and I was thinking about just coasting along with the 10 minute mile group. But I want to do big things at this race and I’ve trained really hard! I’m thinking about just going balls to the wall as best I can and have a positive attitude that I can indeed run my best!
What a great post! Haha love that you made a granola song :)
This is so interesting to me. I have a half in 10 days. And I am trying to PR. As I try to come up with my race strategy I realize I am afraid that it won’t work. No matter what kind of strategy I employ. Hmmm. Makes me think…..
The Kidless Kronicles
Thanks for the post Janae. The majority of runners FIGHT with that internal demon of FAILURE. We all need a little reminding.
I saw this quote the other day on “Running for Treavor”. It is one I won’t forget.
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
~Michael Jordan
This has become another favorite:
from Desiree Davila.
**March 2006** Rarely are we ever satisfied with our performances. Even after our best races we might be content for a moment, but it is in our nature to constantly over-analyze and re-evaluate, finding seconds on the course, flaws in our race plans, what ifs… should haves… and could haves. Are we ever satisfied? There is a competitive mentality that keeps us coming back for more, day after day, race after race, and year after year… so at the end of the day only a small select few might actually walk away content. If we will all eventually walk away disappointed, then what is the point? Why do we step out the door each day? If only one person can be the best, are the rest of us essentially failing? I certainly don’t have the answers, but today I’ll walk out the door with my Burns tied tight and hopes of setting the world on fire firmly engrained in my mind. Odds are I’ll never wear an Olympic medal around my neck, but maybe…just maybe, I will. With that in mind I’ll take off down the road and put in the days work. If we don’t try we’ll never know. At least I can find out how good I can be. **
Most of the “GREATS” fail. Over and over. That is why they are great.
Love this post!!! I collapsed after my first marathon ever this last summer (my fault tho, not the best at diligent training)… not exactly collapsed but basically I sat down and felt like I could never walk again! I think I have the opppsite-ish problem… not being worried enough to train properly and just going for things without thinking thru, but ive definitely learned from that mistake and am training better (kinda) for my next one in 2 months!
I oddly look forward to speed training but DREAD tempo runs and am always scared ill convince myself not to do it when the time comes. Unless speed is the same thing as tempo running and I’m too much of a newb to realize :)
Oh, it’s like you’ve read my mind. I have the fear of failure about everything (work, school, relationships, running even though I’m a terrible runner…) and it definitely holds me back. I try to remind myself that what I should be fearful of is not doing anything, which is what happens when I let the fear of failure take over. It helps sometimes to think about that!!
You’re awesome! Great topic for a post :) I feel like I don’t let myself think about unrealistic goals. If I set a goal for myself, I usually think it’s doable. But this is why I don’t really make new years resolutions!
I’m a perfectionist 9 times outta 10 but when I’m not and realize I wasn’t perfect, I have mini panic attacks! Like I did today. womp.
and I ALWAYS fear sprints. What usually happens is I don’t push myself hard enough and at the end I always think I could have gone at it harder.
i dont know if i feel better or worse about myself now :)
Great post as always. You can’t be afraid to fail, look like a fool, and get your face and ego smashed in when you are trying for big things.
I’m trying to figure out if that picture is you on this post?
GREAT post. You are always so insightful, love it.
wow…loved this post! very powerful! I wanna steal it haha…but will def. give credit to you and the book you got the quotes from ;)
Fear of failure definitely holds me back sometimes. I loved that quote about the flawless emeralds being fake. I think that is one for the refrigerator.
Usually my perfectionism applies to being a perfect teacher & wife and I let myself be an imperfect runner b/c I am just not that great and I am okay with it.
The workout I fear most though, is long runs outside… gah.. I get intimidated that I won’t be able to meet time/speed goals without that treadmill pushing me, or that I will get lost, give up, pass out, whatever. Definitely trying to work on this!
O my goodness I think I fear almost every running workout! I started following the “Run Less, Run Faster” plan, and every time I see a speed or tempo workout I get scared that i won’t be able to do it. And then on the weekends I fear my long runs that I won’t make it very far. Time and time again though I prove myself wrong and go faster than I thought I could and farther so you would think I would have more confidence about it but I don’t. Today during my tempo run I kept telling myself that I didn’t have to rely on my own strength, but on God’s, to get me through the workout, and I kept repeating to myself “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Worked wonders and i had a fabulous workout!
Oh man. This totally hits home for me. I’ve been stuck lately because I’m afraid of getting injured. So guess what? I just don’t run! If I can’t run, then I can’t get injured- right?
I can’t believe that YOU are afraid. The great Janae. You are such an incredible runner, by far my favorite to read about and watch succeed, and even you struggle. Thank you for being so honest and real in your blog.
So, what I need to say to myself, and to you, is FAITH. Replace faith with fear. Say a prayer before you run because with the Lord all things are possible.
I love you, girl! Now GO DO SOME SPEED WORK!
Janae, why are you best most sweetest blogger ever? Geez, I so relate to this and thank you so much for writing this. You are the best girl, seriously!
Thanks…REALLY needed to read this. Guess I’m going to have to buy that book this weekend. I think my mental abilities are FAR behind my physical abilities. However, I can’t achieve it unless I believe it.
I get nervous before I go to the gym or get ready for a long run EVERY TIME! Am I going to be super slow again… will i get the miles in I want to.. what if I get hungry… what if my stomach starts to hurt and i have to GO? Just a few of the thoughts that plague me.. I often get discouraged because I’m not a super fast runner, I am a back of the packer and while I love running I fear being rejected because I’m not a “real runner” I’m just a casual jogger, who am I to want to run halfs and marathons.. you hit the nail on the head with this one =)
Love this! I’m actually scared of lots of things haha. I try not to Let it hold me back though.
As far as workouts, I really am scared of running! It intimidates me because it’s something that comes naturally to me unfortunately
I love that quote:
“Do you know how gemologists tell a fake emerald from a real one? The fakes are perfect. Real emeralds have flaws. None of us is Perfect.” Partly because my favorite stone is real emeralds and I think they looked better flawed. What a metaphor for life, people are real and better with their flaws. It’s what makes them unique and special.
I am a bit of a perfectionist, but I was a lot more in the past. The thing I tell myself when I start slipping back into being a perfectionist (which sometimes means I’m being judgemental towards myself) is that my goal in life is not to be perfect…it’s to be happy. :) That usually gets me back on the right track.
As it’s getting closer to my first 5K race on St Pattys Day, I can feel myself slipping back into setting an expectation I’m not sure if I can meet. I have a time I want to get in my head that I’m not sure I can get. I keep telling myself as long as I do my best it will be good enough and that’s if anythign my next race will be to beat my last time.
Loooove all your quotes!!! I think you DO have to fail in order to learn how to be successful. You learn a million things that don’t work, figure out what you can’t eat, understand your body’s limitations, etc. And THEN you get it right.
Wow! Pretty deep stuff, all great to hear. I think the fear of difficult things is what drives me to tackle them head on. Thanks for the wonderful quotes, I’m really wanting to read that book now.
I too slept in this morning, and it just reminds me how much I love running in the am because it just starts my day in a wonderful way. I love the quote “excersize in the morning before your brain figures out what you’re doing” its so true, I’m so tired in the morning that I just go… Have good one ;)
Speed workouts also fear me most but at the same time, those are my shorter sessions so mentally, I try to convince myself that 20-30 minutes of running will be a piece of cake..yeah right! So jealous about that granola stash..is there anything better than granola, Greek yogurt and berries!
WOW! What an incredible post, Janae! Honest and interesting. I like how you started out by saying it’s not good to have a fear of failure, but then that if you just sit back and never step out you won’t see change! So true and I appreciated reading your words. For me? I LOVE long runs but probably fear speed work the most – maybe b/c I’m not training for anything so there’s no “need” for me to do it. My motivation to move fast is not too high; think it might be more if I had a treadmill to keep my legs at a certain pace!
These are some powerful thoughts :) It is so awesome to watch you develop mentally. Not to say that you weren’t already very tough and tenacious and smart, but now you’re delving into what limits YOU. Huge stuff, Janae. So excited to see where you allow the process to take you :)
Janae- My sister (Jessie Smith) has been telling me about your blog. LOVE IT! I am your newest follower :) Totally need to be inspired by you and get myself back running even more… starting tomorrow at 6:30am. Ugh!
AHHH KRISTINA!! I am so so happy that you left a comment! YAY!! How did your run go this morning?!? What races are you training for next? I need details:) Have a great day.
Two days in a row of early morning runs! So much nicer than pushing a double jogger with crazy kids. Both runs have been fabulous. I found some running buddies that are my pace (or a little faster), which is awesome.
Maybe doing local half marathon this spring… we’ll see!
I have that same bag of granola in my lunchbag for tomorrow to have with my yogurt!! Can’t wait to try it out.
I appreciate you posting on this issue, b/c I deal with this often. Reading all these blogs is a blessing and a curse b/c while motivating, they also can make it difficult b/c I feel like I just cant keep up with all these awesome runners. But I have to keep reminding myself that we all have our own journey and goals. Its not about meeting someone else’s goals its about meeting MINE! That’s all that matters. ;-)
this is a great post and it’s SO true: the BIGGEST obstacle for most people is the mind. the body can do so much more…but being afraid of things is natural and it is scary to put urself out there. i think it’s just continuing to tackle challenges and set higher goals…be excited at the prospect and know it’ll be hard work but worth it.
i get really nervous usually before hard workouts and usually the shorter intervals the most because i don’t have ANY speed. but usually once i force myself to just start the first interval i get into it. :P
Yes, yes, yes. You hit the nail on the head with this one. I let fear hold me back from so many things and often think that I’m the only one who feels this way. Thanks for reminding me that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be wothwhile, and everyone has these thoughts sometimes.
Let’s be courageous today!
Right now I run in nikes, but I got Asics GT 2160s that I’m saving for the spring!
I eat veggie subs so all the veggies are my favorite toppings! But I really love pickles!
Great job on your 8 miles! I’ve never run on a track, except for high school!
I am fearing the 100 pullups with 3 burpess every minute on the minute workout at my crossfit gym tonight. I’m always afraid I will come in last. Sometimes I do, sometimes I dont. But even when I do, I never feel like I am, because everyone is always cheering each other on.
I am always so nervous and scared before my long run on Sundays. I literally start freaking out about it around Wednesday. What if I can’t finish, what if my legs aren’t feeling OK, what if my stomach is bothering me….etc. so many what if’s.
This post was right on thanks girl!
Not sure if you’re aware yet, but Costco has a coupon in their circular for Nature’s path organic PUMPKIN granola and its amazing, as long as you sit away from the box and don’t eat it all in one sitting. I add it to my plain Greek yogurts for some craby action.
This post is on point! I totally agree about fear harboring your workouts and overall performance. I can definitely classify myself as a perfectionist, but it is something I strive to work on all the time. I think you have to be patient with yourself and as long as you are being consistent and moving forward then that is all that really matters.
I am a cardio/running queen so I have been working on incorporating more strength training into my workouts because it’s something I don’t do enough! It is a challenge but I love pushing my limits!!
LOVED this post. Greetings from Finland :)
Great post Janae! We wont ever know if we don’t ever try right? I have faced some major running fears lately. I have some incredibly FAST friends and they have been inviting me to run with them for a long time. I always said no because I was afraid….afraid I couldn’t keep up, that they would laugh at my pace, ect. But guess facing my fear and running with them has been the best decision I have ever made. I have grown so much from they’re guidance and become a better runner and person along the way.
IN.SPIR.ATION. Pure and simple Janae…is that what Janae means? Should be!!! ; )
I love this post! Such great advice, all of it. I firmly believe that overstepping your boundaries into the ‘uncomfortable zone’ is the best way to grow as a person.
I have a fear of injury, and a fear of apathy. I have gone through many many run days, and in my head I am constantly diagnosing myself – is that a pain in my foot or is it just awkward? My hip feels weird, is it ok? Ect. I’m also afraid of burnout, and burnout leading to apathy. Apathy = stagnation = losing what I worked so hard to build = depression. I’ve been there before and I work my ass off to not go there again.
I’m training for my first half maraton right now and I’m terrified of failing. I’ve never really been a distance runner so I’m a little intimidated. Reading that a runner as experienced as you are still has fears actually makes mine go away a little. Whenever I’m out running and the thought to just quit crosses my mind, I remind myself of a quote by Henry Ford- “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” That quote has definitely gotten a couple of extra miles out of me! :)
I also fear failure (like most people). I sometimes hold myself back before a race, thinking “Well, I’ll just say I didn’t train well enough, so if my time is not spectacular, then that is why.”
I don’t want to put it all out there with the training and the race and come out mediocre. Although it’s not failing, it’s just not awesome. For some reason, that still make me uncomfortable.
Great post! I think you said a lot of things that people are always feeling or thinking.
I love this post! So many times I have not done something for fear of failure and rejection. The entire time I was heavy I was told that I was not good enough, that I was gross, that I was discusting and things like that really stick in someones head. Even when I lost the weight, those thoughts were still there.
I think that running just scares me in general. In my mind I don’t think that I have the “body type” for running so I get nervous before every run! This is silly of course, but I still think it.
I do think that I am a perfectionist. If I know that I can’t do something right the first time, it takes a lot for me to try it.
How do I push past it mentally? I think having my family and friends to remind me that I am good enough really does help. :)
I went to a yoga class last week, and the instructor was having us try some pretty advanced moves. Beforehand, she had us say out loud..”I am a good person”. She then said whether or not we could do the moves was not an indicator of whether or not we are good people. It was really good to have that perspective given to you in the moment of trying something new/different/difficult.
Janae, this was an incredible post, thanks for sharing!!
I have a fear of failure– for goodness sakes, I didn’t tell the blog world about the Rehoboth Marathon before I ran it, because I was afraid of failing. How terrible is that?! I was so hurt after not having a great first marathon in Richmond, so I didn’t want to have to go through that again and have any sort of pressure from the outside. But I guess it worked for me, since I ran a 3:30:41!
And I totally agree with you about having to push ourselves and not get too caught up in our safety zones, otherwise we would never achieve great things.
I’m definitely a perfectionist, and it can hold me back in certain parts of life, especially my career. A lot of times, I’m more worried about what other people think than how I actually feel. My family tells me that I need to loosen up a little…and it’s true :).
Totally can relate to this one….perfectionism is both a blessing and a curse in my life.
Your personal posts are my absolute favorite! They are so easy to relate to, and to connect with you — and they definitely give the reader inspiration! Thanks for being real!
While not necessarily a perfectionist I definitely have fear. Most often a fear of injuries … especially re-injuring something. I unconsciously have a fear of low blood-sugars (common in diabetics). And a fear of speedwork. I can push myself during a run but to follow and push myself for speedwork scares me …why ? I have no clue. Also fear of control – losing it / not being in control.
Hmm all seems to go together & from the comments above we seem to all share a lot of fears.
Great post!
I read this post earlier in the week (and loved it). Now, I am about to go out for a 20 miler so I came back to the site to reread it before my journey. Thank you for the inspiration!! I am going to rock this run :)
perfect post for me to read after this week…thanks doll :)
hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this website, as I experienced to reload the site lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..