Two weekends ago I ran the LA Marathon and somewhere between mile 16-20 I started to slow down, and my stomach which had been hurting on and off for some time was very irritated and my knee was also starting to hurt a bit (reasons behind both, may be explained later). As I was slowing down and getting more tired I realized that I was not going to reach the hard goal I had set. Now mind you originally my goal was to finish is less than 6 hours. However due to how my training had been looking, some wise friends told me that a 5:30 would be possible. As I was running, I realized that the I was not going to hit the 5:30 time. My stomach was starting to hurt off and on and my knees were irritated and I was slowing down. I found myself getting frustrated and irritated. Maybe you know exactly what I mean by that. I started to get in my mind about how bad it was and so on and so forth.
Then a thought made its way in through all the noise, remember last year… remember how bad your time was then? Immediately my mindset shifted. I reminded myself that last year my time was far worse than this year and that I was still on track to finish significantly better. I also remembered how bad I felt along the way the year prior. Then I remembered that I was still on track for a significant time improvement from 4ish months ago when I did NYC.
Funny thing when my perspective shifted, running went back to being easier. My thoughts went back to more positive thoughts and I continued to make my game plan. I then started back into reminding myself of my mantras while running “I can do hard things…. I do hard things…. I can do all things” and set the next goal for during the race. Smaller milestones were things like in just over a 5k you have a friend in one of the cheer zones, then it’s 5k and the downhill starts and then it’s about a 5k and you finish.
Running a marathon is far more in your mind than on your feet. Your feet with keep you moving, even if it’s very slow but if your mind tells you that you can’t do it your feet will stop moving.
How has perspective helped you?
Fitness and Faith 
Hey there Beth, how you doing!? I just went through your blog and its totally fab, keep up this effort love and have a nice day! ❤
Looking forward to reading from your blog more 🙂
You have a new follower 😉
thank you!
Beth this is so true in all parts of life.
Recently I’m reminding myself the same thing about advocacy for my son while being attacked personally.
Keep going! You inspire me!