Trust in Your Wings

January 15, 2014

Believe in yourself. That sounds so simple doesn’t it? Maybe even a little clichéd?
But behind those 3 little words, there is an incredible force that has the power to do extraordinary things.

During the past year, I’ve learned how much believing in yourself can impact your performance as a runner and/or a triathlete. Like any skill, it takes practice to believe in yourself. It is learned over time as confidence builds. It is learned through conversations with others who inspire and support you. It is learned from those hard workouts where you push yourself an inch farther than you did previously. It is learned by telling yourself (over and over again) you can do this. It is learned by pushing back self-doubt every time it creeps in. It is learned by transforming “I think I can” to “I know I can” or “I will.”

A friend on Facebook recently posted this photo, and it resonated with me so strongly as I prepare for my half marathon goal race this Saturday. This weekend – and always – I want to be the bird who trusts in her wings. The runner who trusts in her legs. The girl who owns her race.

Trust in your wings: runladylike.com

And with every new day, every long run, every hard race; I am.

Do you struggle to believe in yourself when it comes to running, paces and races? What do you do to get in the right mental state of mind before a big race?

Comments

JenJ

That’s a beautiful saying. I’ll have to remember that.
Yes, I struggle a lot and have yet to find a solution. But awareness of the problem is the first step in the right direction, right?! 🙂

Carla

Im not a runner BUT I am a woman with a personal catch phrase.
I harness its power to remind me I CAN!!!

Cori @ olivetorun

Beautiful, love it! Can’t wait to see you ROCK this weekend!

Kristen @ Glitter and Dust

Thanks for a little inspiration this morning. I would like to think that most of the time I believe in myself, but I do second guess my abilities from time to time. I think it’s less about believing and more about ruminating on the “what ifs”… which I need to work on. 🙂

rUnladylike

Kristen, I worry about the “what ifs” all the time too. Often they are things I have no control over, like the weather, hills, logistics, etc. Learning to let go of that and know we will adapt in the moment is so important … but I don’t always do it either! Best of luck in trusting your wings 🙂

jenn @ runnderlust

Believing in yourself is SO important. The minute you tell yourself you can’t is the minute you will give up or not be able to give it your all. I have a bad habit of not necessarily saying I can’t but setting low expectations for myself.

Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom

I believe in myself for the most part. I am my biggest fan, but I can also be my worst enemy. Right now, I’m going thru some tough times, so I’m channeling all that stress/sadness into my running. Also, when I’ve been struggling on runs lately, I remind myself of how far I’ve come over the last year and know that I can do whatever I put my mind to if I try my best. I love this post, thanks for sharing 🙂

rUnladylike

It sounds like you have a great perspective Rachel! Keep it up! xo

Kristin @ A Mom on the Run

I definitely struggle with this and have a hard time pushing myself as hard as I know I can. It’s something I’m working on this year, but I haven’t figured out how to do it yet.

rUnladylike

You will! I know it!

Kristen L

Love this! Definitely something I’m still working on too, but improving. Good luck this weekend, and keep believing in yourself. You are amazing. 🙂

rUnladylike

Awe, thank you so much Kristen! I believe in you too!!! xo

Rebecca H

I have had many races were it all came down to my mentality that day. I had a 5k in July last year that was hot (of course) and there was no breeze, I didn’t have enough water that day and I had a miserable race and didn’t get anywhere near the time I was going for. I let less than ideal circumstances win. Two weeks later I had another 5k that I decided to not let defeat me. I became my own cheerleader and thought positive thoughts the whole race and had a two minute PR! I love how the mind works thanks for this reminder today. You are going to do amazing this weekend!

Jenna (@urbanfitopia)

Great post. I totally believe this. The power of positive thoughts is truly incredible. It’s easy to slip into a downward spiral of self-doubt, but if you are aware of these tendencies you can bring yourself back to a place of encouragement and trust. Love the picture!

Janelle @ Run With No Regrets

I think that whenever I run with other people, I compare myself, and lose confidence because of how much I’ve regressed since being injured :(. This was much needed, thank you! 🙂

rUnladylike

That can be so hard Janelle, but just try to remember that the only person you are competing against is YOU, and you will get back to your happy pace 🙂 xo

Nikki

This post is perfect timing considering I posted today about being scared of a goal I set for myself at my upcoming half marathon! Thanks for the boost!

Jillian

Everything about this. I try so hard but can never seem to avoid being hard on myself for something as small as a difficult/slower training run. You’re exactly right, you really do have to keep telling yourself over and over until you fully believe in yourself.

patty @ reach your peak

I just recently saw this saying too and love it. So perfect. I definitely doubt myself a lot. at the NYC Marathon I was so nervous and even thought I may not be able to finish even though I did the training. my mom on the other hand never had that thought cross her mind. definitely need to work on trusting myself!

Lacy @ Running Limitless

Why did doubting oneself seem to come so easily and believing come with great struggle? I think this is such a great saying. We all should find our wings and soar.

Laura @losingrace

You are going to have such an awesome weekend!

Before a big race, I constantly am picturing how I want to look and feel at the finish. I want to smile because I hit my goal but be tired because I pushed myself.

rUnladylike

That is a great way to think, Laura! I am going to try to do that as well. Thanks so much for all your support and encouragement!

Lindsay @ Lindsay Weighs In

This is so beautiful, and I really needed to see that right now! My half training is going slowly, and I’m doubting my ability to carry my (too heavy) body 13.1 miles. You can bet I’ll be printing this one out. Thank you!!

rUnladylike

I’m so glad this was helpful, Lindsay. I know you can do it! Even if you are having slower results than you would like, the fact that you are out there making it happen and working hard is a victory! xo

Leslie @ Triathlete Treats

This is so awesome! Definitely something I needed to read before my race!! It is totally true. I just keep telling myself I need to be positive! I’ve heard that in training: it is 10% mental and 90% physical. In the race: it is 90% mental and 10% physical. Crazy right?! Your body knows what to do you just have to let your mind stay in the game!!! 🙂 You are going to rock it. Can’t wait to hear about it!! xo