“I’m not a runner.” That is what I used to say – for years. I am active in many other ways (tennis, power-walking, yoga, spinning, hiking, snowshoeing), but I had myself convinced that I was incapable of running. It is amazing how we get into mindsets about ourselves, and how we take these beliefs for absolute truths. You know how this works – it happens in all areas of our life.
But then I began coaching Cindi, an amazing woman who is a 10-time marathoner and not quitting anytime soon. Her dream was to start a satisfying business where she could share the joy of running – to launch a running program for new and experienced runners to set goals and push themselves in a supportive group format. Hmmm, isn’t that what I do in my Momentum Coaching Circleprogram? We set professional, not running, goals and everyone arrives at their own finish line.
I signed up for Cindi’s program with much trepidation. Fast forward one month, and I just ran 4 miles this weekend. Now, that might not be a lot to you hard-core runners out there, but that’s the point. This was a stretch for me and the sense of personal accomplishment is nothing short of energizing. And that energy is spilling over into how I see myself and what else is possible. Cindi gave her new clients the bookRun Like a Girl; How Strong Women Make Happy Lives by Mina Samuels. Mina talks about why it’s not just about the running. The confidence women build in sports translates into the rest of their lives. It’s a great book and I have now added it to my recommended readings on my website.
I am always challenging my clients to set those stretch goals in work and life, as there are so many payoffs. The road is not always easy, but what you learn about yourself along the way is just invaluable.
Cindi tells me that if I can run 4 miles, then it is time to sign up for a 10K. And if I can reach what was once an impossible goal in my mind, then what other “impossible goals” is it time to re-think? What is your 10K? What are your stretch goals and how can you start to make them a reality?