I completed a 5k along with some of my training clients this weekend. I've gotta tell you, I am SO proud of them! Whether they walked, ran, or did a combo of the two, they all completed it on a VERY hot and humid late afternoon. What a sense of accomplishment!
As their coach, I have nothing but praise for them. For myself, on the other hand, I was very critical of my own performance. When I saw my time, I thought, "I could've done better. I SHOULD have done better." Then, the reasons for why I didn't do better.....it was hot and humid, late afternoon, I had to make a pit stop in the biffy mid-course, my ankle was sore (I had twisted it a few days before and wore an ace wrap to run).
I'm not a runner. It's not a strong area for me. So, why do I have to be so hard on myself? Why not just be happy that I signed up and finished it? Because I'm a competitive, imperfect human being like the rest of the world. I can be the best coach to all of those around me, but not always to myself.
Here are the lessons:
- Allow yourself to feel the glory in the smallest achievements instead of insisting that something could've been different or that it could've been better.
- Take what you learn out of the events in your life and change it for the better the next time if you feel that need. That means that you grow as a person.
- It's okay to want to better yourself, but don't be overly critical along the way.
- Realize that you aren't going to be great EVERY time. Lose with grace.
- Continue to try things that feel hard. It's good for you and makes you stronger mentally and physically.
I will work on taking my own advice.
