Guest Post: New Leaf Wellness

I like to call myself a runner. I hit the pavement (or the dreadmill) three times a week, and although I don't have any on my calendar right now, I've got a few races under my belt. The longest of which was the Chicago Half Marathon in 2009. I loved running it, but haven't gone that distance since. I think it's the training that keeps me back. It's most certainly the training that keeps me from running a marathon. 

Would I ever run a marathon? Today's answer: Major doubts. I would love to, but I just can't muster up the gumption to get it done. I'm not sure how I'd incorporate the training into my life as a group fitness instructor and mother. Two things that exhaust me in their own ways.

So when Kelly of New Leaf Wellness offered to write a guest post about this very subject—training for and running a marathon when it seems like the very epitome of impossible—I jumped at the chance to host her words. Enjoy:
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I’m training for my first marathon in September. That means I’m going travel 26.2 miles…on foot…next month…willingly. Am I crazy? Probably.

I’ve run eight half marathons. The thought of running double that distance seems impossible. Yet, here I am, training for my first full marathon. Why? Because I like new challenges. Because I like the peace and quiet I find on a long run. Because running makes me feel like “me.”

Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

I’ve had other big goals before that seemed impossible:

• To finish my Ph.D. – done
• To give birth to my second daughter without any drugs – check
• To start a business that I am insanely passionate about – done

There’s something about big dreams that makes them feel exciting yet unattainable at the same time. 

When I’m working as a coach, I ask my clients to separate their dreams into small, more manageable pieces. I ask, “What can you do this week to move closer to your goal?” One step at a time.

On Saturday, I ran 15 miles. At mile 13, I felt the same doubt creep in. “How are you going to run TWICE this distance?!?”

It always seems impossible until it’s done.

I’ll focus on finishing one training run at a time until race day.

Question: What have you accomplished that seemed impossible when you started? What big goal would you take on it you knew it was possible?

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For more info and tips about balancing motherhood, a fulfilling career and a healthy lifestyle, follow Kelly and New Leaf Wellness on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest! And while you're at it, be sure to keep in touch with A Daily Dose of Fit: Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too!