life's a (half)marathon not a sprint.
2 minutes read
by Tobias
on 03 Jul, 2023•2 minutes read
Hello and welcome back to Tobias Talks.
I did a stupid thing, a dumb thing, a downright moronic thing. I've signed up to run a Half-Marathon in April 2024. To be specific its the Northstowe Half Marathon on 14th April 2024.
This is the same April 2024 that I'm getting married so I have to be aware of not overdoing it as I'll be walking down the aisle and I don't think my partner would ever forgive me if I had to do it with crutches!
The thing is, I know myself, I know how this will likely go, I'll half-arse the training, I won't be anywhere near where I want to be fitness wise and I'll feel shame and embarrassment for every step I take around the circuit. I need to keep this thought in mind however as it may be just enough to change the outcome.
I think a mixture of positive and negative reinforcement will be helpful. Picturing both the good and bad versions of the race day. If I train hard and practice it will still be a struggle, but I'll be able to hold my head up high, I gave it my best and I did what I could. If however I don't try enough during training, I'll know that I could have performed better on race day and I'll be ashamed of myself.
So I must start today and not put it off any longer than I have to, every successful day is a day nearer to the goal. I'm already nervous as I know that regardless of how training goes, I'll be on that starting line when the day comes. I'll be stupid enough to give it a try anyway and I'll likely be in agony for the duration. I'm a fool, but not a quitter.
All of this training brings to mind a famous poem. A poem about self-respect, self-worth and effort. I'll leave you with this poem. I would love to hear your thoughts on it and if you have any others to share, please let me know.
Your friend, Tobias
The Man in the Mirror
When you get all you want and you struggle for pelf, and the world makes you king for a day, then go to the mirror and look at yourself and see what that man has to say. For it isn’t your mother, your father or wife whose judgment upon you must pass, but the man, whose verdict counts most in your life is the one staring back from the glass. He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest. For he’s with you right to the end, and you’ve passed your most difficult test if the man in the glass is your friend. You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum, And think you’re a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye. You can fool the whole world, down the highway of years, and take pats on the back as you pass. But your final reward will be heartache and tears if you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
Dale Wimbrow
