I like to believe that my running “career” has made me a better person. Until now, I have run five marathons (42,2 k), completed a half Ironman, and I have run so many half-marathons that I no longer count the numbers. I have run on a regular basis, typically longer distances, since I was a 15-year old boy.
Back then, I felt running helped me concentrate in school, and I used it to clear my head. I have experienced all the physical and psychological benefits of running, and this might be the reason I never stopped doing it. I have learned some important life lessons from running which I would like to share with you:
- Improvement is always possible, and change is often necessary.
- The view at the top of the hill is always worth the climb.
- The importance of enjoying the process – not just the destination.
- Positive self-talk makes it easier to overcome “obstacles”.
- If I focus on solutions instead of problems, I will succeed.
- If I really want something, I’ll find time for it (stick to what you like doing).
- Persistence always pays off.
- A dedicated mind/attention always makes a better performance.
- When things get tough, taking one step at a time always helps.
- It’s important to listen to the body’s signals, however, I have learned to distinguish pain from discomfort.
- The importance of celebrating big and small achievements.
- Instead of comparing myself to others, I should focus on what matters to me and what I can do differently to achieve my goals
- When you have done the best you can, you can’t do more.
- I’m always stronger than I believe.
- Dont be afraid to dream big: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
- There are no shortcuts to success, and the more you put into something, the more you get out of it.
- What works for me, does not necessarily work for someone else.
- Bad days are often followed by good days
- It doesn’t help to complain about things that I cannot change such as a bad weather.
- No one can do the work for me.
