The Power of Perspective: Gratitude as Fuel for Endurance
As we head into the season of Thanksgiving, it is common, if not a little cliché to start thinking about all the little things we have to be thankful for. You hopefully have many things to be thankful for…health, family, work that fulfills you, stability to name a few. But I recently had the opportunity to look at my fitness goals through a lens of gratitude. This year I embarked on a physical challenge that, while on my bucket list, was quite daunting and took me on a journey of growth, discovery and gratitude.
Have you ever been in the middle of a challenging training plan, a long run, an uncomfortable workout, or felt like you bit off more than you could chew with the goal you set for yourself? Have you ever thought to yourself…
“Self! Why are you doing this? Why are you voluntarily torturing yourself? You could be sitting on the couch, binging your favorite show, nibbling on your favorite snacks. Instead, you are uncomfortable, sore, out of breath, etc.”
Those words went through my mind a lot while training for my first Ironman 70.3! I started the journey optimistic…thinking I could slay this event! My mindset was that of a competitor! However, during the long months of training leading up to the event, I fought through set backs: wet and cold limb numbing training rides, discomfort like I had never felt before, and injuries. As the race grew closer and closer, I was honestly scared that I wouldn’t even finish it! I started questioning… why was I doing this to myself? I lived in fear that my next training ride, run or swim would result in the injury that would keep me from competing, and I just wanted the race to be over!
But then, a friend suggested I look at the event through a different lens. She reminded me how awesome it is that I GET to even attempt this huge challenge. Not every person has the physical health to get through the training. Not everyone has the financial means to pay for such events. Not every person has the desire or the support system that I had going into it. She reminded me to be grateful for all the little things and all the people who had been by my side -even when I was alone-during my training. I let my mindset shift from COMPETE to COMPLETE. I took time during long training rides to appreciate how far I had come- both literally and figuratively. I appreciated the landscape around me during early morning runs, and the sun reflecting off the surface during open water swims. When I did finally make it to the starting line, I had a fresh perspective. I was so lucky to be there, the work was done and race day was just about soaking it all in and enjoying every second. During the race I carried with me the names of all the people who had lifted me up along the way and I allowed myself to be grateful for them and grateful for every step I was taking. In order to get to the starting line, I had to completely shift my mindset to one of acceptance and humility. To cross the finish line required gratitude and an open heart.
Fast forward several weeks- I had the pleasure of talking to a member who beat cancer several years ago! Talk about an amazing feat and something to be extremely grateful for! Training for a marathon or even an Ironman is just putting one foot in front of the other! But beating cancer? That is a whole body, mind and soul accomplishment that I cannot even imagine. Her journey to remission took her down a road of mental and physical health and resilience. After getting to remission, she committed to running a half marathon on her Cancer-versary to commemorate her health and to raise awareness for research. Her race that day was not about speed, or competition or crushing a personal goal- but rather was a journey of remembering strength, resilience and gratitude. As the miles passed by, she remembered the day she got her diagnosis, the shock, the fear, the uncertainty and the constant feeling of being sick. But she also remembered the doctors, friends and family who supported her along her journey to health.
That member carries the same outlook of gratitude into her workouts every day. She appreciates the feeling of hard work and sore muscles because she remembers what being sick feels like. She appreciates being breathless during a HIIT class because she remembers what being breathless after only a few steps feels like. She appreciates the sweat as it drips off her face during DanceFit because she knows how it feels to not dance! She knows that putting in the work makes her feel better, and for that she is grateful!
So the next time you ask yourself “Why am I doing this to myself?!?” Try shifting your mindset to: “I am so lucky I get to do this hard work!” Not everyone does.
Michelle H., Gretna Crossing YMCA Senior Director