Down for the count

So I haven't blogged in almost a week. Cause I've been busy working out???? No, sadly cause I have been sound asleep or laying in bed sick for the last 6 days! GRRR!

I'm feeling better and hoping to hit the gym for a workout in the morning. Not planning on hitting it too hard, as I am tired easily- but I need to get back in the habit.

While I've been down for the count - I've been able to read some great stuff on running and training and helping overcome mental hurdles (something I know I do and will struggle with).

In an article about mind traps- runners world mentions two that I know are very much traps that I fall victim to.
1) The expectations trap: "Problems begin when our expectations exceed abilities." "To escape these expectations we must acknowledge that we alone create these expectations."
This is my fav part-- cause I struggle with having expectations and setting goals.
"This doesn't mean we should abandon our goals. But we should at least recognize that they are personally constructed dreams - not ideals. No laws or ethics decree that we must measure up to or we fail".

2) The comparison trap: "We compare ourselves to better runners and assume that faster times will make us happier. They won't and they can't. Someone else is always faster and worse- they might even train less than you-- but you have to be your own measure."

This goes back even to biblical times-- Soloman in Ecc states "I saw that all labor and all achievements spring from mans envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless and chasing after the wind."

That's just it! I can set goals for myself-- and this year is about health. However it's not starting off the best. BUT that doesn't mean I failed. That doesn't mean I am less of a runner or person. That doesn't even mean I am not going to be in shape for my races.... it simply means I was a participant of LIFE! Just cause something happened or someone is faster or further than me doesn't mean I am less of a person-- it means I'm me! If I chase after such things I will be chasing the wind- my goal is to long after God. So I will strive to evaluate myself on my goals- and see them as created and not ideal- I will above all else strive to accept myself and my pace.

So tomorrow- I'm going to pick myself up- dust off and be the best me I can!

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