If you run, I’m sure you have been guilty of using the words “just” or “only” when describing the distance or pace that you’re running.
It goes something like this: “I’m just running two miles.” “I’m only running a half marathon.” “I just ran a 9:00 min/mi.” “I’m just running the 100k.” “I’m only running a 100 miler.”
Then, usually what happens when another runner hears you say these “just/only” phrases, they tell you to not belittle or minimize your efforts and achievements (they are correct).
They become encouraging towards you… runners tend to be encouraging people, which is why they’re pretty flipping awesome.
But then, you end up feeling weird for what you said or apologizing!
* As runners, we should never down play our hard work, we should only chase down our dreams! *
I have never had someone tell me to not say the “just/only” phrases, thank goodness because I’m extremely stubborn and don’t want to hear it.
God bless the person if they would. – I’d stare at them and awkwardly smile.
Here is my reasoning for why I refuse to apologize for using the phrases. My perspective and mindset are wired differently.
I have humongous running dreams, so I need to set high and more strict
(while still being realistic, appropriate, and flexible)
expectations of myself in order to achieve my goals.
When I say that I just ran the 50 miler, that’s me saying that 50 miles is good, but a further distance is better in order to be closer to my goal.
I’m never content. There is no “good enough” or “close enough.” I want more. I can do better.
My number one dream race is Badwater 135, The World’s Toughest Foot Race.
I know what I must do to be invited to run in Papa Badwater (that’s what I call it), basically offer myself as a sacrifice after I’m dry of blood, sweat and tears (perfect for Death Valley!).
I have smaller dreams to accomplish on the way. And 135 isn’t the end of the road, I want to achieve beyond that.
Triple Crown, other prestigious 100 milers, maybe attempt a FKT on a certain trail (stay tuned).
I’m stubborn and driven. Throw the adjective “crazy” in there, too.
Every runner has their humongous dreams, things that they didn’t think were achievable until they achieved them.
I argue to use the “just/only” phrases, it can be fuel to your fire. Adopt the “just/only” way of thinking and see what happens.
Keep challenging yourself and wanting more. It’s about perspective and mindset.
Do what you need to do, do what works best for you, just keep pursuing your dreams. Never give up.
Happy running!
Ultrarunner, are you ready to level up your mindset and mental wellness?
If you are interested in working together on stepping up your mindset and mental wellness around racing and life, reach out to me.
I’d love to hear about your goals.
We will look at problem areas or where you’d like to see improvement, set a realistic goal, and then put those steps in place.
– I work with endurance runners and athletes all over the United States who want to dial in their race mentality, mental strategies, and overall improve their mental wellness. Coaching is a non-clinical service, which means that I don’t provide assessments, diagnosis, treatment, or counseling.
— My coaching services are fully on the mental side, but I do have experience working as an assistant run coach.
[Professional disclaimer: I am a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in PA.]
Here’s what we can work on:
- Improve day-to-day mental wellbeing.
- Build better habits.
- Incorporate mindfulness
- Learn emotion regulation strategies.
- Set challenging, yet attainable goals.
- Discuss motivation
- Address body image thoughts or concerns.
- Talk about you! Who are you, besides a runner or athlete? – parent, sibling,
- entrepreneur, community member… What else do you do, and how does it impact training for races or vice versa?
- Coping with injury and setbacks.
- Juggling priorities and time management.
- Are you actively trying to find a mental health professional? I can assist!
- Are you searching for a running coach? I can provide pointers on how to go about finding someone who’s a good fit and what questions to ask the coach when interviewing them for fit.
- Mental strategies and mindset for racing.
- Training and race day visualization.
- General worries and race day stressors.
- What might you do if you encounter a problem during a race.
- Building trust with yourself.
- Improving self-care, self-esteem, and self-compassion.
- Knowing when to push yourself and when to be kinder to yourself.
- Why’s and meaning behind what you do. Passion. Using that as support and drive.
- On top of talking, I do provide resources and homework.
I hope that this paints a picture of the good stuff that we can work on together.
Contact me if you have questions or want to schedule.
Related articles
Reasons Why I Run: Digging deep
Mental Strategies for Running in the Heat
Go Guarded Safety for Runners Review
Subscribe for more free ultrarunning, mindset, and mental wellness tips
Are you interested in supporting my mission?
One of my many goals is to increase mental health awareness, the availability of free resources, and the access to services.
If you value my free mental health content, it would mean a lot to me if you would “like,” share, or Buy Me a Coffee.
This helps people find my free content and allows me to continue providing free content. Thanks for being a part of my mission.
Happy running,
Shannon
One thought on “My Stubborn Mindset as an Ultramarathon Runner”