Self Care
The 10th Edition of your favourite weekly running newsletter
Welcome back to your weekly dose of run chat.
A quick read of insightful tips and thoughts to help you with your running.
We did it, folks. The 10th Edition! At the time of writing this, there’s 4,338 subscribers, and I just want to say I appreciate every one of you. You can call yourself an “OG of the That’s Runnable Community” because this is only the start. I really believe I’ve found my life’s work here, and I want to create a space where you can feel educated, inspired and motivated to get out the door.
There will be more to come on this in the coming months, but I want to take a moment to show my appreciation for YOU and all your support of what I do.
This week, I posted a video about intense mindsets and how they can be useful. I didn’t really know what to name this week’s email, but I think “self care” summarises it well and I hope you can see why if you read on…
Something to Think About
Mindset can be a difficult thing to strike a healthy balance with. Sometimes we don’t feel like running, sometimes we’re raring to go and destroy an intervals session. It’s important, however we feel, to take note of our self talk. You’re not always going to feel up for it, that’s natural. But remember to prioritise a positive view of yourself. If you’re trying, truly trying, to put your best foot forward, you can look in the mirror and say “thank you”.
Something to Ask Yourself
How do you view yourself? When you complete a workout, how are you reflecting on it? Are you proud that you showed up for yourself and got out the door, or are you ridiculing your performance for its imperfections? Do you focus on what went badly, or what went well?
Article of the Week 📄
The article from Positive Psychology covers how to cultivate a positive mindset and the numerous benefits it can bring to various aspects of life, including personal well-being, professional success, and health. It explores characteristics of a positive mindset, such as optimism and resilience, and provides practical tips, exercises, and techniques to help maintain positivity.
Track of the Week
From New Delhi, this band has accompanied many a run for me. They’ve just released a well-awaited new album, but this song always has me humming. This week’s Track of the Week is:
Floated By by Peter Cat Recording Co. (2019)
Personal Lesson
When I was younger, especially in my early twenties, I was very intense with myself. Although I loved to go out, and blow off some steam (and still do), when I was working out, I did everything with a level of intensity that had me essentially punishing myself. The intensity I brought to my running and fitness leaked into my life and mentality towards myself. I was never fast enough, strong enough, and was just never doing enough. I was too serious.
Over the years, I’ve learnt this is not a sustainable approach to my training, nor is it a healthy way to approach life in general. I would sacrifice well needed rest and recovery, didn’t sleep enough, and was never proud of the work I was putting in. My efforts were nullified by the idea that there was always more that could be done.
Since recognising the errors of my ways, I’ve found more joy in the process, have a more positive view of myself, and have achieved more than I ever thought I could.
Running - Life’s Metaphor
In training and in life, there are times where we need to focus, apply grit, and be disciplined. But it’s not always that deep. Sometimes it’s just a game we’re playing, so play.
“Frame your mind to mirth and merriment
which bars a thousand harms
and lengthens life.”
- William Shakespeare
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of pseudo motivational, virtual whiplash videos out there online. Fitness Coaches and influencers have built a bit of a reputation for themselves for being too intense, shouting at the camera, and making out as if it always needs to be a grind. This can be exactly what we need sometimes. I believe we all need someone to give us a wake up call every now and then. But this can’t be the indefinite narrative. We need to find joy in the hard things we do. We need to figure out how to enjoy the intensity.
If you’re chasing big goals, whether a marathon, an ultra, or your first 5K, don’t fall into the trap of taking it too seriously. The goal you’ve set can drive you to show up consistently, but what matters more is that it improves your experience of life. The work you’re putting in is a positive thing, don’t make it negative.
It’s up to you to control your approach. If you’re not enjoying the process, I’m afraid that’s your fault, not the half marathon you’re training for.
Scrutinise your mindset. I promise you there’s a more positive attitude to be found.
Thanks again for reading and subscribing.
Run the runnable, and keep showing up for yourself!
Tommy :)
