I Finish Strong!
In university, I had a project to interview runners and discuss their values, beliefs, and benefits of being a long-distance runner. Since I was a jock. In the physical education program and on the Football team. Even the Captain. I was a runner too. I saw running as a necessary evil. It was not my favorite activity.
One of the more interesting interviews was with a 55-year-old man. That ran 5-10 miles every day. In fact, he challenged me to a “Run,” And he beat the shit out of me. :). Before the interview.
During the interview, he mentioned all the things I had heard before. For example, he said:
- It will add years to his life.
- Lower your blood pressure.
- Improved your sex life. He was pretty proud of his stamina in bed.
- Kept his waistline down
- Made him feel good.
- Reduced stress.
Many of the other runners I interviewed said the same sort of things. So the benefits were self-evident. But just cause it is good for you does mean you like it. ๐
I was intrigued when we got to his beliefs and got a lesson. A lesson I still use today. In fact, used it today at the gym. I was tired and did not want to finish. But some of his beliefs popped up and kept me going.
You see, he talked to me about what he said to himself while running. It was not “this hard”, “i can’t finish,” “I want to quit,” “this is tough,” or “I will do it tomorrow.” All the things that make you quit or start the negative thought cycle. His thoughts ware strong and powerful. I knew why he beat me. His mind was stronger than my body. ๐
His thoughts and beliefs were:
- Beat the hill. Don’t Let the hill beat you.
- Get stronger toward the end of the run.
- Accelerate into the last part of the run.
- You must finish the time or length you set.
- There is no choice but to finish.
- Kill the negative thoughts early.
That last thought was one that Tony Robbins reinforced with the comment, “Kill the monster when it is small.” He was talking about negative behavior, but it applies.
So based on those thoughts, I developed my own beliefs and thoughts about running and life. They help me deal with my negative thoughts and stay positive.
- Kill the Monster when it is small.
- Finish Strong.
- I must (do 2 miles each time. Can’t leave until I do).
- I don’t quit.
By the way, those “running beliefs” have become life beliefs. Can’t tell you how many times a negative thought in life tries to stop me. but my beliefs “finish strong” or “I don’t quit” pops up to keep me going.
They have served me well. Trust they help you, either in the run or in life. ๐