Leave Perfection Behind.
April 8, 2024 ~ 5 min read
In many aspects of life, perfectionism can take control. Running is no exception. Yet, the concept of training “perfectly” or running a “perfect race” simply does not exist.
To combat that persistent desire to be perfect on every run, I use two techniques: 1. Reframing the word perfection to the word striving 2. Making running about something bigger than just myself.
Striving.
- Perfection is an intangible goal that creates many mental barriers to training. Instead reshape your mindset from the word perfection to the word strive.
- Striving illustrates the relentless pursuit of excellence. Instead of trying to chase perfection, shift your focus towards the efforts you are putting in. Strive to be a little better. Strive to work a little harder. Take joy in the victories of training whether they are as big as setting a new personal record or as small as remembering to stretch after a run. It is okay if not every run feels like your best, fastest or strongest! These are the growing pains of running. Simply pick yourself back up, and strive to have a better run the next day because the victories are not found in the achievements, but in the effort it takes to get there.
Take yourself out of it, make running about something bigger than yourself.
- Oftentimes while training for long distance races, I found myself lost within the miles. I was frustrated with my constant focus on the pain I was in while running. I wanted to shift my attention outside of myself. I did so by practicing gratitude miles. Gratitude miles allowed me to more clearly see the gifts I had in my life and empowered me to endure the pain. This was a concept I created just before my first marathon.
How gratitude miles work:
- Before a long run, make a list of people in your life you are grateful for. This can include anyone: family, friends, coaches, peers, colleagues, mentors and more. Write down one name for every mile you are going to run. Number each name, and that mile is now dedicated to them!
- Take a photo of your list and set it as your phone background. It would be silly to try and memorize the list order!
- Start your run thinking of who person one is on your list. Reflect on lessons they have taught you, memories you have shared and all of the reasons you are grateful for that person. You can even pray for them. For the entire mile, focus positive thoughts and energy around the person you are running for.
- Once you finish mile one, check your phone screen to remind yourself who mile two is for and repeat the process until your run is complete!
I love gratitude miles because they take the focus away from the pain and cultivate running into a more positive and reflective experience. Not only are you becoming a better runner, but you are becoming a better, more grateful person along the way.
So remember to embrace the imperfection of running and open yourself up to growth by striving. Additionally, incorporate gratitude miles into some of your long runs to help you not only appreciate the gift of running, but to appreciate the gift of others in your life as well.
Get ready to run and leave perfection behind! One grateful step at a time.
Bonus
If you are using the gratitude miles technique for a race, reach out to the people you are running for beforehand and ask for them to dedicate that time towards you too! Then you have a strive tribe behind you, supporting you every step of the way.
