2 years ago
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Posted On: April 13th 2025, 11:11 am
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For my first (and only) high-school State championship cross-country race, I borrowed a pair of my friend's brothers' track & field shoes. Being two sizes too big, I tied the laces around the sole of the shoe to keep them from slipping.
The day before the race, Mum drove me from far north NSW to Parramatta. I'd no running-specific coaching or training, and no plan or professional guidance as to how to pace myself. Mum simply advised me, "Run, and don't stop!"
When I arrived, I saw elite junior runners warming up, many with coaches and part of training squads. I was so nervous. I sat on the toilet until the very last minute.
I've always wondered "what" those nerves are. I mean, what am I afraid of?
Only since I began training for the TCS Sydney Marathon have I realised exactly what I'm scared of...
I'm scared of myself.
More specifically, I'm scared of what I will put myself through (both mentally & physically) when I permit myself to go for something 110%.
I was so nervous before yesterday's Half Marathon race because I knew that I was mentally working up to the moment where I would release all my mental brakes & permit myself to go as hard as I could.
And I knew that was going to hurt a lot.
We live in a society where being proud of our achievements, no matter how big or small, is boastful.
I'm no psychologist, but I'd guess that without opportunities to celebrate our personal wins, we make it extremely hard for ourselves to put in the effort, sacrifice short-term pleasures & grant ourselves the opportunity to get out there, & give it our all.
So, today, I'm celebrating my big & small 2025 running achievements thus far & the achievements of all the inspiring people I've had the honour to run with.
Now, and for the next 140-odd days, it's time to dig deep & (hopefully) inspire more people to get outside, set some goals, & grant yourselves the opportunity to achieve them!
*Not everyone has the same opportunities in life. For some, accessing veterinary care for their best friends and companions is an unaffordable ask. If you'd like to help me celebrate & support Pets of the Homeless, donate via the link in my bio!
After Dark Tour HM 01:29:09
The day before the race, Mum drove me from far north NSW to Parramatta. I'd no running-specific coaching or training, and no plan or professional guidance as to how to pace myself. Mum simply advised me, "Run, and don't stop!"
When I arrived, I saw elite junior runners warming up, many with coaches and part of training squads. I was so nervous. I sat on the toilet until the very last minute.
I've always wondered "what" those nerves are. I mean, what am I afraid of?
Only since I began training for the TCS Sydney Marathon have I realised exactly what I'm scared of...
I'm scared of myself.
More specifically, I'm scared of what I will put myself through (both mentally & physically) when I permit myself to go for something 110%.
I was so nervous before yesterday's Half Marathon race because I knew that I was mentally working up to the moment where I would release all my mental brakes & permit myself to go as hard as I could.
And I knew that was going to hurt a lot.
We live in a society where being proud of our achievements, no matter how big or small, is boastful.
I'm no psychologist, but I'd guess that without opportunities to celebrate our personal wins, we make it extremely hard for ourselves to put in the effort, sacrifice short-term pleasures & grant ourselves the opportunity to get out there, & give it our all.
So, today, I'm celebrating my big & small 2025 running achievements thus far & the achievements of all the inspiring people I've had the honour to run with.
Now, and for the next 140-odd days, it's time to dig deep & (hopefully) inspire more people to get outside, set some goals, & grant yourselves the opportunity to achieve them!
*Not everyone has the same opportunities in life. For some, accessing veterinary care for their best friends and companions is an unaffordable ask. If you'd like to help me celebrate & support Pets of the Homeless, donate via the link in my bio!
After Dark Tour HM 01:29:09
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