I usually cringe if I read things I wrote a few years ago. But recently someone sent me this one, from October 2016. I still like it after three years, I even felt a little inspired re-reading it. It reminds me of that Olympic year mindset.
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So here’s a part of my “letter to the runner on race morning,” in honor of all the people preparing for this weekend’s Chicago Marathon ( @chimarathon )!
You did this. You. Look back at the months, years even, of preparation, and feel a warm satisfaction rising through your body. You woke up to run on cold mornings (or hot days!). You pushed through crazy long runs when all you wanted to do was stop. You rose to the challenge of workouts. You said no to shiny temptations, to nights out or extra time on your feet. You surrounded yourself with supportive people, or had the hard conversations when a relationship was causing issue.
“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years that they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance is merely the demonstration of their championship character.”
Things may be hard, but you ARE the kind of athlete who does hard things.
Things may be scary, but you ARE the kind of athlete who faces fear.
You have proven this to yourself, again and again.Think of all of that hard work, all of that time, and be proud. Let that fill you. That is your work, your opus, and it is an achievement. Know that we are proud of you. Now, go dance at your party.
Relentless
Undeniable
I Believe
Not Alone.
Training Notes 