See if you really knew me, you would know I had told myself for years that I just wasn't a runner, and would never have the stamina to complete a race.
Completing this 5K last year with my motivator and friend, Veronica Garza, was proudly added to my list of personal life accomplishments. With the satisfaction of finishing something I secretly always wanted to do, I was also reminded of the following life lessons.
1. You Are What You Say You Are
When I began training for this 5K (on my elliptical at home) I began to chant in my mind 'You are a runner.' It wasn't too far from the truth, I had legs, legs can run; therefore I really was a runner. You see whatever story you are telling yourself will manifest in your life. So how about changing the channel in you head to claim what you want to be... you are what you think.
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2. You Said Tomorrow Yesterday
Next year... when I'm skinnier... when I have more time ... when the kid gets older... when I feel better about myself... sound familiar? Well, I got tired of waiting on tomorrow and decided to claim the only thing I could control-- that day. That day, I got my butt on the elliptical when I could have nestled into the couch. That day, I took my son downtown in frigid temps to pick up my 5K race packet to show him Mommy's commitment to health. That day, I woke up at 4:00 a.m. on race day excited and nervous but determined to finish. If you keep breaking your promise with tomorrow, it may never really be a day away.
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| Source: Pinterest |
3. Best Things in Life Are
On 5K race day I was scared. What if I fall an get trampled by a herd of angry runners. What if I am the last to finish? What if I can't finish? Well those what ifs never happened. And I was reminded that some of the best moments in life are kinda scary. My first kiss... my wedding day... moving away from home to live in the U.S.... the day my labor broke at the office... first day of graduate school. I believe fear is misdirected passion and, if embraced, can lead to the happiest moments in our life.
4. Run Your Own Race
As soon as the 5k started I had my earphones on, music cued and I literally zoned out. The sound of my feet hitting the Chicago pavement was what I focused on. I was not racing anyone but myself. I stayed in my lane and webbed in and around of the crowd. This was MY 5K, my story.
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5. Finish Strong
As we turned the bend and saw the distant Finish sign, Veronica had some pain. After she confirmed that she was OK to finish, I put my arms around her and we ran to the finish line together. I could sense that I had strength to share and it wasn't even a question since we has come so far together. Sometimes finishing is not exactly how you imagine, obstacles and hurdles come out of nowhere. But the real beauty is jumping those hurdles and running through the pain.
6. Just Do It!!
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| Source: Pinterest |
Peace & Blessings,
Fiona Olubunmi
