Why Do We Limit Ourselves?

Has anyone ever told you that you can’t do something? How did it make you feel? Did it make you angry? Did it make you feel defeated? How did it affect your next move? Were angry and became so determined you motivated yourself? Or did you retreat from the defeat you felt, with your bubble burst, walking away from what could be? Some of us are defeated by those who tell us we can’t. But what about ourselves? Are you your own doubter?

I’ve secretly wanted to run a 5K race. I’ve been running for the past year. I’m a closet runner. I run alone. I’ve only just recently started running on the roads. I’ve been sticking to the treadmill for most of the year.

This is a picture of me that Ryan snapped last year when I first started running.

A couple of things I’ve learned about running outside is that I’m actual run faster out side. How is this possible? Wouldn’t you think that running on a treadmill would be easier. Well, I’ve found I have better time and distance when I run outside.

I’ve mapped out a route for myself in a nearby neighborhood. I can do 2 miles or 3 miles whatever I want to do. I like the road running because I can give myself visual goals.

“Tracy you can make it to the next mail box” or “I can see the turn, I know there is only a 1/4 of mile left when I get to the turn!” the visual milestones do it for me.

It’s funny how what we think works for us (me being the treadmill) sometimes is not what is best for you. I held myself back by telling myself running outside would be harder when in fact it ended up being easier and more enjoyable.

I’ve also been telling myself that I’m not ready to run a 5K. Well I few weeks back I didn’t think I could do three miles and then THERE IT WAS! I had it in me and it wasn’t a huge stretch. That’s because I’ve been running regularly at about 2.25 miles so pushing myself to 3 was not that bad. It was such a thrill to do 3.

Why have I been limiting myself?

This past week during the My Tiny Tank Support Group Conference Call, a friend said something to me that stuck. It wasn’t a limiting comment. It was a motivating comment. We were discussing exercise and I mentioned my wish to run a 5K. This friend simply pointed out to me

You can’t run a 5K if you don’t register.

She shared with me a story about her friend who wanted to run a marathon and it wasn’t until he registered for it that he actually made it happen. Thank you Pam for candidly sharing this point with me. It changed my perspective.

I had been lurking around the race sites online. Looking at local races this Fall. I even had a list. I had concerns that running a race would be a burden to my family. That I’d have to use a weekend day to participate and weekends are our time to be together.

STOP

Why was I limiting myself?

Well Wednesday I proposed the idea of running a race at dinner. The boys were very supportive and last night I registered!! I registered for Gabe’s Run which will be the day after Thanksgiving.

click this picture get the story about this race

Reality is setting in today. I’m excited and nervous. But I know I can run this. I am excited because it is a cross country race which means it is on trails not road. This past year I’ve done a lot of hiking with my family on trails. It is so enjoyable. Next week I’ve made a plan to do a run on some nearby trails.

How else am I limiting myself in my life?

Is there something you are telling yourself you can’t do?