The Little Engine That Could: Death of "Trying"
Today I set myself the goal of running up two successive hills. Both were very long hills with a gradually increasing incline. I got up the first hill no problem but the second one was a lot tougher. As soon as I took my first step I kept telling myself "I can do this, it's all about will power" which reminded me a lot of the little engine that could repeating 'I think I can, I think I can'. I kept tell myself to keep going and before I knew it I was at the top. Moments like that are what I train for. Those moments when you overcome all your fears and mental limitations to acheive what you only dreamed of.
My success this morning reminded me of my bigger goal to run in my first half marathon. About two months ago I decided to try to run 13 miles since I was doing well in my training for my first 5k. That day I ran 10 miles, decided that I wouldn't make it 13 and turned back. That night I stayed up wondering how far I could've gone if I kept going and had just pushed myself. The following weekend I told myself I am going to run 13 miles. Trying is for people who don't really want it and I really wanted it.
That day I ran 16 miles nonstop.
Moral of the story: stop trying and just do it.