This morning I left my phone at home and went for a run. It felt a bit awkward, since I’ve never done this before. I’m not a cardio person but I'm trying to change that.
When I was about to start, I saw two people chatting. I hesitated and walked past them. One of them had a car with the engine turned on in the middle of the road. Right after the corner, I started running.
Halfway through the first lap, I thought I’d run out of breath. I was thinking that I’d take a short break, and then try to run a bit more. I somehow made it to lap 3. I suddenly felt that I found a steady pace, and I could keep going. I also caught the attention of a few more spectators: the people cleaning the park.
Entering my 5th lap, I was wondering why that guy wasn't turning the engine off…
More people passed by. I was contemplating the situation. On one hand, I was happy that I could keep going, but I also thought about people who are overweight, and in really bad shape. How easy it would’ve been for them to get discouraged and stop.
Then I thought about the newsletter. I was trying to figure out the percentage with which I exceeded my expectation of completing just 1.5 laps. On my 6th lap I thought 7 or 8 would be a nice number for the story.
I saw the guy finally taking off in his car just before finishing my 8th lap. I was starting to feel tired. I was content with 8 but then I thought about the newsletter again: “10 laps would be really nice, wouldn’t it?” At that moment, I realised that you guys are also helping me. Thank you!
My pace was slower. I had to keep my mouth open to breathe better. My body was less responsive and I was focusing on my steps not to trip. How I saw the people walking or driving past me had changed: they’re seeing someone who is trying, not someone in bad shape who is failing. That’s a good example.
Right after finishing my 10th lap I stopped. Immediately, I started feeling my high heart rate, and the pain in my legs. I turn 37 next month, and this was the first time I jogged. I left the house in the morning, to do something new, even if it felt awkward, and I ended up exceeding my expectations by 566.7%.
I started the day with a win. Next time I’ll go for 11.
But that’s not the only takeaway. Every lap felt like a different moment in life. New challenges, internal and external. I’ve been enriched with new perspectives, experienced something new, and boosted my confidence.
This week's action:
What's one thing you keep saying it isn't for you, without ever really trying it?
Do it once this week, even if it feels awkward to start.
Don't wait until it feels comfortable, just do your best.
Share this with a friend who might like it. It matters a lot to me.
Thanks for reading,
Valentin