Running Thoughts | Acceptance Over If Only
Redefine What Running Means to You
We’ve all had those thoughts at the gym or on the trail. “If I was more motivated…” or “If I could just run outside more…” Maybe it’s, “If I didn’t have these injuries…” or even, “If work wasn’t so demanding…” These “if only” statements can be a real downer, leaving us frustrated and stuck.
But what if the key to running joy wasn’t some perfect scenario but accepting our current reality? Accepting that our schedules might be packed with work and family commitments, our bodies might not be what they used to be after years of wear and tear, and that’s okay. Maybe we dream of conquering marathons, but a blissful 5k is a victory right now. Perhaps we envision ourselves running with a Jakob Ingebrigsten-like grace, but for now, a comfortable jog feels pretty darn good. Acceptance allows us to embrace our current strengths and limitations, paving the way for a more fulfilling running experience.
Acceptance allows us to shift our focus to what we can control. Maybe that means swapping a long weekend run for shorter, more manageable runs spread throughout the week. Perhaps it’s joining a running group for support and accountability. It might even mean honoring our bodies with rest days when needed.
