My Journey to Bring Enjoyment to My Running
by Paul W.
I recently read Running Within by Jerry Lynch and have now developed my “running statement.” I have done this to build a more positive AND ENJOYABLE attitude toward running.
Approach Thought:
I have always considered myself a slow runner, but this just addresses competing against someone else. This is an attitude I need to change. I need to think about running within myself . . . for myself. It does not matter where I finish with respect to anyone else, it only matters where my personal mindset is . . . where my personal effort is . . . and how I think about that personal effort.
Primary Objective:
I want to find enjoyment in my running, and not racing against some external goal, a certain time, another runner. I enjoy walking, hiking, being outdoors. I enjoy getting my body into better physical condition. I do see how running can bring these aspects to my life, and I need to approach running as providing me a wonderful means to experience these aspects.
Positive Affirmations and Thoughts to Build Into My Mindset:
- Running is the journey I enjoy.
- Control what I can control. Change “I can’t” to “I can.” “I can” is more mental than time specific.
- Reality does not change, what changes is how I view the fact. A fact is a fact – how I look at it and how my mind perceives it are what make the difference.
- My running will build my leg strength and my conditioning.
- It takes time and practice to become an accomplished runner. Enjoy the practice each day and each run. Each run is a journey, and each journey is to be enjoyed in and of itself. I want to run for the enjoyment of running, not for the goal of winning, or the goal of hitting some specific time. As I grow in this journey, I most likely will consider my times, but this always will need to take a back seat to the enjoyment of the run itself.
- Running affords the opportunity to bring the body . . . the mind . . . and the spirit all together.
- Running provides that fresh air, an outside opportunity that conditions my moving body.
- Running is my guide to a healthier, happier life.
- RUNNING IS THE JOURNEY I ENJOY.
Comments (5)
Thanks Paul for reminding me why we do what we do. Sometimes I forget that its not necessarily about the competition but our personal accomplishment.
Thanks for the inspiring words, Paul. I’m a junior at the University of Oregon, and am racing in my first triathlon with the UO Tri team this spring! At times I am almost fearful of the thought of a triathlon (how many hours it will take, do I have the mental drive?), but reading your approach thought really put it all in perspective, that I am racing for no one but myself. I’m not doing this to impress anyone, I may even come into last place, and that ok. The point is that I’m DOING IT and am accomplishing a big personal goal.
I wrote this “Running Statement” completely as a personal statement for myself. Joe suggested posting it, and I agreed to that. I am blown away by and appreciate the responses as this just loops together the motivated tri-athletes who work hard (struggle?) to achieve their personal goals and accomplishments. We ARE in this together, even though we work for our own accomplishments. Paul Wangerin
Dad, I’m inspired every time I read your article!!! Thanks for sharing this with us all!!!
And Tori, enjoy your UO Tri Team training (and bonding)…How exciting to get to do that in college!
Thank you for taking the time to put your words of wisdom down on paper, Paul! They are so inspiring, and I know this is an issue that so many athletes struggle with!! Hats off to you for figuring out how to embrace your own RUN LOVE!! 🙂