No excuse

On Tuesday of this week I headed to the track to do my normal speed workout. When I arrived at the track I noticed there was a cross country meeting being held. I figured since I can’t run on the track (it was being used as part of the course), I might as well watch the meet and cheer some kids on. The meet had already started so I was a little confused as to who was winning the race and where the course all went. After I stood there for a while I was able to see the course was a giant loop and the kids had to run this loop a few times. I don’t know the exact number since I didn’t get to see the start. Anyway, as I see the top 2 runners coming down this hill to the track I hear a lady scream “only 300 more meters to go.” Ten feet behind the top runners was a small kid who looked to be struggling, but I thought he is in third so who cares. I came to realize this kid had just been lapped and still had to do the whole loop one more time. I kept an eye on him for as much as I could his last lap, and he struggled most of it. The more important thing though was he never stopped, he just get moving along. As he passed me I said “You got this” to the child and watched him finish the race in last place. 

I have never met this kid and have no clue what his name was, but watching him really inspired me. Imagine you are in a race and you get lapped and still have one more lap to go while others are finishing. That right there is enough to make people just want to drop out and call it quits. Throw in the fact that you are dead last and no one else is around you is a whole other reason to want to quit. Yet here is this warrior ( I am calling him a warrior, because anyone that shows his heart is a warrior in my book) tired, hurting, and just beat down pushing though until he crossed the finish line. I heard the kid talking to his dad after the meet, and he was so proud he ran the whole race without having to walk. It really showed me when you want something you don’t stop until you reach your goal. That day that kid had the goal to finish the race. It didn’t matter what place he came in, what mattered was he never gave up. He never once stopped, he just kept pushing forward. He was able to leave the meet that day without making an excuse on why he didn’t finish or having to walk.

 One of my favorite lines is “Excuses are like assholes, everyone has one and they all stink!” When something goes wrong in a race we tend to find a reason outside of ourselves to put the blame on. The weather played a factor, it was too crowded, there wasn’t enough water, excuse after excuse we give but we never say it was me. I have been guilty of this many times. I would blame anything except the real reason I failed, Me! What is that saying? The first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well I will be the first to admit I had a problem. I say had because this training cycle I finally looked at myself and said enough with the excuses. If I want something bad enough I will figure out a way to get it and I will figure out a way to get around any obstacle that stands in my way of my goal.

 Have you ever met a person who constantly is saying I want to lose weight, but does nothing about it? They will tell you every excuse in the book, they don’t have time, and it’s too hard to get into a rhythm, No!!! The simple fact is you don’t want it bad enough. If you really want to change you will find a way. I read a story today about a boxer who worked night shift then slept in his van outside the gym so he can get there as soon as they open. He did all this so he could be home in the day and take care of his daughter with spina bifida. Do you know what he does today? He is the heavy weight world champion. I know I have said this before on here and I am saying it again. We have to all start being accountable for ourselves if we want to succeed.

The Final Countdown: Columbus

    If I had 2 more fingers on my hand I would be able to count down the days to the Columbus Marathon with one hand.  As I approach the final week I normally would post about my previous weeks workout.  I will just say the last week went as planned and I am on track for where I think I need to be. Instead of me posting my workout for the week I wanted to tell you all the things I will need to work on this week as the race approaches, since this will be the last training post until after the race.
     It was pointed out to me at the Erie Half Marathon that right before the race starts I will start to say things to validate if something goes wrong.  It is almost as if I am giving myself a way out. I might say the weather is bad and could affect my time, or I might say there is no room to pass on the tight roads. Basically what I am doing is doubting myself.  The funny part of all of this is when I am running a race with a friend who is a beginner I will say the same speech to them and try to give them words of encouragement. I usually tell my friends something on the lines of "The clock doesn't matter, all that matters is you had the courage to start." or "Every time you step up to the starting line you have a chance to be great, let today be your greatest day. When pain hits, run through it. When you your mind says stop know your body hasn't reached 30 percent of what it is capable of."  Well maybe it is time I go look into the mirror and have the same talk with the person I see.  Deep down I have always believed I am better than I know I am. I am a competitor and I love to be put in a position where I can be challenged against someone.  This week I need to work on telling myself the training I have done is good enough and I can go out and do what I expect to do. It doesn't matter on the weather that day, or how crowded it is. I have a plan and I need to execute my plan the way I worked it out in my head.  It doesn't matter how many people tell you "You can do it", if you don't believe in yourself all your hard work is for nothing.
     This week I have gone over the course map and I have visioned myself running the race. I keep a steady pace and when I am hurting I find away to dig deep and find my inner warrior and continue on. It is easier said than done though to convince yourself you are great.  So this week will be my normal pre-race week, I will do a lot of stretching and cross training with some short runs to stay loose. Most of all though I will take this week to do some meditating and reassure myself that I am capable of everything I think I am. This will be a no excuse race. I am going out and I am just going to run. I will run the way I was taught from my father, I will run with no hesitation in my head, I will run and I will be great.

Take note Columbus I am throwing down the gauntlet and I am coming in 100 percent physically and mentally. No excuses!!!! It's time to see what I am made out of. As a great motivational speaker said to me a few weeks ago before a tough race,  "It's time to do business!"

Before I wrap things up here I just want to say if you see me throw out a good luck, or some words of encouragement. As much as I need to believe in myself hearing everyone's words of encouragement always motivate me and want to work that much harder for you as much as myself. Also say good luck to my buddy Aaron @nugget207 who will be running his first half marathon in Columbus.

Motivational Monday

    Don't be another person who has an excuse, be the person who is willing to challenge yourself and see just how far you are willing to go.