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Disclaimer: This
blog is not an advertisement for running in the rain. Nor is it meant for
avid runners. It’s simply a telling of what came up for me on this day.
Why run in the rain? This was
the question I put to good friends after checking the weather report for our
local Cupid’s cup. Actually, this was one of my many rants as I
considered rising at 6:45 AM to walk (or run) a paved circle in the cold rain.
My good friends and teen daughter
were the primary reason for this non-runner to even consider this crazy
endeavor. I love the social aspect, and of course, there is the health
benefit, but ultimately, the biggest benefit is learning to stretch and move
outside of my comfort zone.
Let me be clear, I am not a
runner. My knees protest the pounding on pavement, so I decided to see if
I could walk/run or simply walk into this healthy endeavor.
It started when my triathlete
friends invited my daughter and I to join them for a weekly 10K training. As luck had it, the first Saturday morn was a cold drizzle and the next a
bone chilling 22 degrees – unexpected in the Southeast region. I leaned
into my motto, “transform obstacles into opportunities” for motivation to show up for
weekly practice.
Still, my mind and body protested
during the days between each Saturday practice. The life coach in me took the
lead and called on my internal strength, my spirit, to keep me moving forward. In so doing I learned much. Here are some of the things I learned on this path:
- Let go of my ego and outcome, i.e., not be concerned
with my pace or where I ranked in the race. Out of this I created a
new motto, “commit and complete.” Often, I’d have to say it
out loud to overcome the thoughts that came up as my friends significantly
outpaced me and had to wait for my return to the finish point.
- Let the crowd lead, not in pacing, but in
motivation. By simply showing up successive Saturdays we have
created community. Being honest about my struggles and receiving
motivation has been a huge help in keeping me on this path.
- Get practice in working with and through my limitations
and fears. Running is not my thing so I was open to what else I may
learn and experience along the way. This Caribbean baby does not like cold and in the past I have canceled many an
outdoor activity because it took me so very long to warm up.
There’s a real feeling of satisfaction in simply taking steps outside of
my comfort zone.
- Realizing that joy may not come in the originally planned activity, but the community and personal growth achieved along the way. As it turned out, I got to walk the course with a friend with whom I had not been able to spend time, and share brunch with the runners who inspired me.
I can’t say I’ll ever run or walk
another race in the rain. But if I ever decide to do so it will be to
experience the joy and satisfaction I experienced stepping outside of my
comfort zone and making memories with friends.
I would love to hear about a time
when you have stepped outside of your comfort zone and what showed up for you.
Please use the comment section below to share.
With visions of your life of
passion, prosperity and balance.
Life Coach Karen, ACC
p.s. If you want support creating
your life of passion, prosperity and balance, register for my 7 week eCourse , Art of Life
Coaching with H.E.A.R.T. ™, or monthly, affordable eCoaching, Conscious Living eCoach.
