Tuesday, August 14, 2012

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!

5 comments:

Erica House said...

A Ph.D, two kids and a marathon? You are an inspiration!

adailydoseoffit said...

I know, right? She definitely makes me believe in my ability to train for a marathon...now, if I could just DO it. Ha!

Kerri Olkjer said...

Love this! So true. Big goals often seem impossible, but those are the ones worth working for.

Kelly McNelis said...

Thank you, Tara, for sharing my story! The positive comments have inspired me to continue to pursue my dreams. I'll definitely be thinking about them on my next long run!

Tess Young said...

Hello There,

I just wanted to see if you
were currently interested in additional guest bloggers for your blog site.

I see that you've accepted
some guest posters in the past - are there any specific guidelines you need me
to follow while making submissions?

If you're open to
submissions, whom would I need to send them to?

I'm eager to send some
contributions to your blog and think that I can cover some interesting topics.

Thanks for your time,

Tess

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