Marathon training is hard. At least for me it is–the long, steady, sustained focus in carrying out a detailed plan, several months long, that asks so much. As if following the plan wasn’t hard enough, I’m also required to stay mentally alert enough to decipher the difference between soreness and injury. And emotionally wise enough to back off the plan when rest outpaces running in importance in the long-term. It’s a lot for me to do all at once.
Yet, there’s something satisfying about engaging a challenging process, isn’t there? When you wonder, “Can I do that?” And you show yourself, one step, stretch, and rest break at a time: You can do it. You are doing it.
Endurance sports are challenging under any circumstances, including now, with upheaval and inequalities all around us. Perhaps now more than ever it’s the perfect time to focus on one simple task for one hour, or one mile, at a time.
Step, step, step. Experience, feel, and be the steady forward movement.
Step, step, step. Notice how in each stride your body is centered, balanced. Get comfortable in the simple, consistent motion of it all.
Step, step, step. Notice how each day your life is more centered and balanced.
Step, step, step. Your focus and commitment help to center and balance our world.
Keep going! You can do it. You are doing it.
Check out these awesome upcoming workshops and writing retreat! Indigenous Time Management on March 29, Academic Career Planning on April 1, and The Auntie Way Writing Retreat (9 weeks) starting April 2.
Michelle M. Jacob 