BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Have no fear

 

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Happy New Year! Now let's get started by talking about something that can completely zap a person's motivation and keep them from being the best runner they can be.... FEAR. But first, let's look at the definition of fear which, as defined by Cambridge Dictionary, is an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen. Did you get that MIGHT happen part? That's the part that keeps runners from getting out the door and stepping up to the start line. 

So let's look at the top five things that runners are afraid of and ways they can overcome those fears.... 

1. Ridicule or Rejection. This is probably one of the top fears runners have, especially those who are just starting off. But this is what every newbie needs to know... every runner was that newbie at one time and started off at mile one. Every runner knows the feeling of doubt, pain and "I can't do this!" Every runner appreciates movement no matter who fast or slow that movement is. Runners love their sport and want other people to love it too. Runners respect the person who overcomes this fear and laces up their shoes. There is no reason to fear ridicule or rejection because runners are family who genuinely enjoy helping other runners reach their goals. Runners are full of encouragement and advice. There is absolutely NO reason to fear ridicule or rejection especially when you find a group of runners to join.

2. Failure. Now this one has kept so many runners from stepping out. And if failure is defined as a lack of success, the only thing that can cause you to fail is to stay in one place. You see, as I said before, movement of any kind is celebrated. And when you are moving forward in any way, you are achieving bits of success that add up. And if you're afraid of a DNF (Did Not Finish), don't be. A DNF means you stepped up to the start line. A DNF means you tried! What you should fear more than anything is a DNT (Did Not Try) which is a truer definition of failure than lack of success in my opinion. As one of my running friends who is training for the same 100 mile race that ended in a DNF before said, "My results don’t dictate who I am. My efforts do! So with all that being said, I have zero intentions of not succeeding but I will be 100% prepared for the opportunity when they say go." Do you understand that fully? As someone who has also has had a few DNF's (that's me) will tell you, lack of success in reaching the finish line is not the ultimate failure, giving up in that pursuit is. Never be afraid to try, or to try again, and again, and again, and again!

3. Running alone or in the dark. This is definitely a legitimate fear for many runners these days, especially as reports of unprovoked attacks have escalated in the last decade. And not just attacks from people but from animals as well. Many years ago I was cornered by two aggressive dogs while running alone on one of the country roads in my small town. It was only by God's grace that I managed to get away but I had panic attacks for more than a year before taking my life back by purchasing some protection. I now carry a weapon that I'm fully trained to use and licensed to carry; something that allows me to run at night and alone with no fear. This is a great option as is finding a group to run with. On days when the group can't meet, you might consider hopping on the treadmill or bringing along some type of protection. Whatever you need to do for peace of mind, do it. Don't let anything keep you from going after your goals. 

4. Injury. This too is also a very legitimate fear for many people, especially if you've been injured in the past. Which is the very reason you should have a plan in place to avoid these afflictions that sideline us. And while you can't totally prevent becoming injured, you can drastically reduce your chances by following the 10-Percent Rule of Running and practicing the 10 Laws of Injury Prevention. 

5. Trying new things. So I have a friend (not naming names) who has been running for more than three decades. The problem is that he's still running in some of the bulky cotton clothing that he started off with. This is a runner who's afraid to try new things and so missing out on running with fewer layers and being more comfortable all around. The point is this... don't be afraid to try new things! Try new routes, try new clothing, try new electronic devices, and new training plans. And most of all, try new distances! Don't let fear of the "new" keep you trapped in the "old." A new year is a great time to try new things! And there are so many benefits from doing so. 

So there you have it friends. Do you see how much fear of what might happen can keep you from making things happen? So make this year the year you say "not this time" to your fears. Do what you need to do to make your goals a reality and you'll soon define yourself as a courageous runner who is trying new things and loving it! 

Happy Running!!!