I GOT THIS

Post by guest writer: Louise Orders, Personal Trainer & Massage Therapist at Big Vanilla Athletic Club 

I ran a 10 mile race with a client last weekend.

She has spent the last year recovering from a nasty skiing accident.  Where she was in the wrong place at the wrong time and some guy slammed into her when he lost control.

So the last year of her life has been spent recovering. Dealing with pain.  Not being the athlete she wants to be.  I imagine she wondered, at times, whether she would ever be the sound, vibrant, active, pain-free runner she used to be.

She worked hard. She was consistent.  And persistent.

She started running again.  Then entered this 10 mile race.  To keep herself focused on the positive.  Focused on the possibilities.

I wanted to run with her.  For many reasons, but mostly because I deeply wanted to see her succeed.  I admire her.  She’s strong. Smart. Knows what she wants. I believed she could do it. I wanted to see it happen. Firsthand.

We ran.  It was a great setting.  Pretty. Relaxing.  But 10 miles is a long way.  We had a system we were going to follow.  I pushed her a little. (Sorry. Can’t help myself.)

Mile 8 and I could see some doubt creeping in.  See it in her face. Brought on by fatigue, strain.   Like in a high drama movie she says:  “You go. Finish strong”.  No way.  I’m exactly where I want to be.

We turned the last corner.  Could see the pillars of the Finish Line in the distance.   She saw it.   Less than a mile.   I can see her discomfort.  The subtle change in her stride to accommodate.

Instead of being excited at the sight of the Finish Line, we were quiet.  “You OK?”  I ask.

Pause.

“I GOT THIS”  was her reply.

Wow.  I smiled to myself.  I know that place.  I have looked through pain at a Finish Line.  I know the self doubt that can creep in when it’s hard, and the goal seems so far away.

But there is also the moment you commit.  You make the decision that yes; I GOT THIS. Everything else falls away.  The outcome is decided at that moment. You’ve got your mind and your emotions on your side.

She got it alright.  Beat her goal by almost 10 minutes.  Ran a faster race than before her injury.

I GOT THIS.  Three very powerful words.  Committing to your outcome. Moving through challenges.  Through discomfort. Ignoring self doubt.  Confirming your belief.

Next time you doubt yourself, try it.

I GOT THIS.

Feels good just thinking it, doesn’t it?