13.1 Transferable Lessons Learned While Training for a Half Marathon
- Slow down to speed up
We think we have to sprint, all-out, at work and even in life. Sometimes, actually more often than not, when and if weโre able to bring ourselves to slow down, we find we end up going further, quicker.
- Together we go far
Whether itโs training for an endurance race or living through the real-life race that is our personal and professional lives, going at it alone will only get you so far. However, as our friends at Peloton (@onepeloton) remind us daily, together we go far. Life, work, a race โฆ building community every chance you get will often be the difference that matters.
- Itโs okay to not be okay
Some days, some weeks, and even some months we just โdonโt feel itโ. That doesnโt make us weird. It makes us human. Reminding ourselves that โitโs okay to not be okayโ can often be the dollop of positive self-talk that reminds us that we donโt have to stay that way. 99 times out of 100, mindset is everything.
- How you do anything is how you do everything
Getting comfortable being uncomfortable is an amazing thing. In the moment itโs not only a test of our character, but itโs also how we slowly but surely continue improving; one small step at a time. Life doesnโt get any easier. We get stronger; every single time we get comfortable getting uncomfortable.
- Run your race
Better than yesterday. The only person worthy of competing against is the person we were yesterday. Others are running their race, on their own path, experiencing their own journey, their way. Rather than focusing on how well we measure up to โthemโ, itโs far more productive and purposeful to focus on things we can control. Our mindset, our effort, our contribution, and the love we give to ourselves and others.
- Rest and recovery – itโs a thing
When we feel powerless, itโs usually because weโre energy-less. Thereโs power in recovery when we can hold ourselves accountable to build in ample time and space for rest โ mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Amazing ideas and the most inspiring thoughts find us in those precious moments of rest.
7. We can do hard things
Hard things, by definition, are never easy. As Pelotonโs Jess Sims reminds us often, โโฆnever easy, but always worth it.โ In the rough moments, when adversity sets in, remind yourself of what youโve already accomplished. Weโve made it through hard things before, and we can make it through them again. And when we do, itโs always worth it on the other side of the pain.
- Visualization matters. Practice the future today.
Even if it seems outlandish, far-fetched, and impossible, dare to envision what it would be like, what it would feel like, who might be with you, the impact youโll make, and even the joy youโll experience along the way. Every significant thing ever accomplished, built, created, or shared started with a vision. Why not you? Why not me?
- Yes, you can. Believe you belong
โCanโt never did anything.โ Itโs a phrase many of us heard from our parents, teachers, and coaches when we were young. They were right then, and theyโre right today. Inevitably we all have moments when we think, โI canโt.โ When you hear that voice, politely tell it, โYes I can.โ And then tell somebody next to you, โYes you can.โ That helps us get out of our own way.
- Ask for help when you need it
โTogether weโve got this. Alone, itโs got us.โ I love that quote, but Iโm not sure who coined the phrase. I just tend to agree. Weโre all social beings who simply need connection to survive, let alone getting through the hard times in life โ at work or at home. Ask for help when you need it. Youโll go further, quicker, and itโs usually more fun experiencing things with one another.
- Goals are important but planning is critical
Yogi Berra once said, โIf ya donโt know where youโre going, youโll end up someplace else.โ Goals certainly keep us and anyone working with us headed in a positive and productive direction. However, a goal without a plan is just a wish. Having a game plan turns activity into productivity as you get closer and closer to your goal.
- Trust the process
Whether itโs building up enough stamina or capability to run/walk a Half-Marathon or building up enough knowledge to conquer that โthingโ on your list, usually thereโs a process involved. More often than not, that process will take time. Trust it.
- Enjoy the journey
If we donโt enjoy it, then why endure the pain and anguish of getting comfortable getting uncomfortable? Just like on those long runs in the sun, in the midst of a rough season, or even during the more magical seasons, the โgood stuffโ is usually found in the little moments of appreciation and gratitude. The hard part is reminding ourselves when those moments are happening. Theyโre usually closer than you think, and itโs usually right now. Enjoy the now. Itโs about the journey, not the destination.
.1 – Encourage others along the path
Everyone is likely fighting a tough battle โ physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually โ we may know nothing about. So, be an encourager. The world has enough negativity and drama. You and I can be the light in a dark season, for ourselves and for others. And it doesnโt cost a penny, yet it just may mean the world.
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Need support in getting your entire team onboard with creating a connected culture? Learn about the Lead with Hospitality Commitment to Connection Learning Experience here or check out all the ways you can work with my team and I here.
In Commitment to Connection, your leadership team will learn:
- The psychology of motivating people.
- How to engage in effective one-on-one meetings to connect with teams on a personal, human level.
- How to prepare for and facilitate productive team meetings that bring members closer together; building trust and a sense of purpose within the teamโs culture.
- How to use ongoing meaningful written communication to convey team goals whether employees are in the office or working from home.