Self Pride
The 7th 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.
Since my last race, I’ve been reflecting on my journey as a runner. Why? Because running has transformed how I view myself, and fostered a deep sense of self pride. So, I thought it’d be nice to talk about one of the main reasons I run ultras: self pride.
Something to Think About
I don’t believe running is just about physical fitness; it's about mental strength and self-discovery. In training and in racing, each kilometre you conquer is a testament to your perseverance and dedication. The sense of pride from achieving your running goals is unmatched and spills over into other areas of life. The impact this can have on boosting overall confidence is well documented. And, although finishing a race or getting a PR gives you a next level sense of pride, the daily practice in training can be all you need to have a more positive view of yourself.
Something to Ask Yourself
How do you celebrate your running milestones? Do you take the time to acknowledge your progress and the hard work you've put in? Each goal achieved, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Celebrate your wins and let them fuel your self-belief.
Make sure you smile to yourself every time you get out the door and tick off a training session, too. Because that’s also worth a sense of pride.
Article of the Week
This week’s article "Running to Boost Self-Confidence" from Women's Running explains how running can enhance self-confidence by releasing endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. It highlights that running can improve sleep quality, cognitive function, and provide a sense of accomplishment through goal setting. (Good reading for both men and women).
Track of the Week
There’s something coming of age from this song, I can never work out whether it’s sad or not. Anyway, it’s a banger. This week’s track of the week is:
Godmanchester Chinese Bridge by The Howl & The Hum (2017)
Personal Lesson
A few years ago, I ran my first 100KM+ Ultra marathon. It was not an easy first. Val D’Aran CDH by UTMB has built a bit of a reputation for being up there with the most challenging 100KM mountain ultras in the world. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but, boy, did it deliver. It was the hardest thing I’d done in my life up to that point. I’ve done a few comparable challenges since, but crossing that finish line remains the proudest sporting achievement in my life. The sense of pride I felt in that moment is hard to describe. The months of dedicated training, the sacrifice, the discipline, and the 20+ hours in the Pyrenees mountains had got me to a place not many get to experience.
A few years before, I was in a dark place in my mind. I had cripplingly low self esteem and, to put it lightly, I didn’t like myself. But it was in that moment, at the finish line of a mountain ultra a few years later, that I’d proven to myself I was capable of doing great things and, as I stood there holding my emotions in, next to the girl I’d fallen in love with, I felt I was truly out the other side of the toughest personal chapter I’d endured.
Mental health gets talked about a lot now (good stuff). From my own experience, taking action and putting down evidence that you’re more than how you view yourself is the most fulfilling way to overcome your inner struggles.
Running - Life’s Metaphor
Running teaches us that persistence pays off. Life, like running, is full of challenges. Overcoming these challenges, whether in a race or in daily life, builds resilience and self-pride. Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress, and remember that every step forward is a victory.
Final Thoughts
The journey of running is a journey of self-discovery and self-celebration. It’s not just about the miles logged but about the personal growth and pride that come with each step. Embrace your inner runner, celebrate your achievements, and let running empower you to view yourself in a more positive light.
I have a plea for you that comes from a deep place. It may sound simple, it may seem like light encouragement, but trust me when I sincerely say "keep running, keep celebrating your achievements, and keep believing in yourself”.
Thanks again for reading and subscribing.
Run the runnable, and keep showing up for yourself!
Tommy :)
