Lessons/insights/reminders from a run in the rain at 6:30am:
1. My glasses are speckled with rain drops and I can’t see clearly. Several times I consider stopping to try and clear them and then realize that would be futile as my shirt is wet and I would have to stop running in order to that.
So I get a bit comfortable with not being able to see clearly and I just focus on putting one foot in front of the other instead of trying to fix it. That’s when it clicked that I don’t need to see the finish line. I just need to see the next step. On this run, in business, and always.
2. I only passed 3 cars on my run this morning and I’m always aware that I have to be careful of my own space because a) some people might not see me and b) some might not care enough to get over. Safety first!
The first car didn’t make any attempt at moving over to the center of the road and forced me into the grass, which is full of ankle rolling potential lumps and bumps. But I was prepared for the possibility and got over as soon as I sensed the car wasn’t going to give me any leeway.
The other two cars I passed got way over on the other side of the road. I was able to stay on the road, had plenty of space to do my thing, and felt safe.
The same thing happens in life and business as well. There will always be those who crowd and push you unsafely off the road. They don’t get it. Let them go in the opposite direction with your sights firmly fixed in front of you.
There will be those who work with you to give you the space you need – and also show you a bit of respect (I mean hello I’m running in the rain here!). Find these people. Keep them around. Appreciate them and show gratitude.
3. When the run gets a bit tough and I’m all up in my head about it, my shoulders start to slump, my feet get heavier, and everything seems like slow motion.
When I catch myself in the mind trip and tell myself I’m not quitting, it shows in my body and my posture is the first thing to adjust. My shoulders move back, my back gets upright again and suddenly everything else seems to fall into place. My pace quickens as my feet find a natural rhythm again. It all becomes easier.
The body shows us what the mind is thinking. When we can let the mind chatter go, there’s room for ease to enter. And it’s more fun to cross the finish line with your back tall and your head held high. Allow ease.
4. Commitment is no joke. Unrelenting.
It was raining this morning. It was also dark. And I went anyway.
That’s how I know that I’m serious about my running and commitment to myself to do something I know makes me feel great. I went when it was uncomfortable. It was worth it.
Where am I not fully committed in my business? Hmmmm…
5. Speaking of uncomfortable, running helps me get used to feeling uncomfortable, being out of that comfort zone.
So much so that when these same feelings and reactions in my body come up in other areas of my life, I’m better prepared to deal with them, feel them out, and let myself ride the wave being uncomfortable instead of immediately trying to get out of them.
It’s okay to be uncomfortable. Weird, yes. Debilitating, no. 3.5 miles in the rain will soon be no biggie. What’s uncomfortable today will be tomorrow’s no big deal.
One foot in front of the other friends,
Amy
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