The 10 secrets to successful running:
Secret Number one – Take responsibility for yourself and your own running.
This is the first in a 10 week series where I am going to cover the 10 secrets to successful running. What gives me the Chutzpah to think that I can come up with the definitive list? Nothing – I have no right but that has never stopped me before!
Here’s what I’m doing – I have interviewed some amazing athletes and entrepreneurs and you may have noticed that the last question I inevitably ask them is something like “What advice would you give?” Through this you have probably noticed some common threads. I’ve distilled these into “10 Secrets”.
You may also notice that I make no secret about the fact that these secrets have less to do with the act of running than with the act of living. These secrets are not secrets. I’m going to challenge you over the next 10 weeks. I’m going to give some homework. This is going to be good for the beginners and anyone trying to sort things out and transform themselves…at least that’s my hope and you never achieve anything by aiming low.
Secret Number one – Take responsibility, for yourself and your own running.
This is the first step. You need to take responsibility. You can lean on a coach, or a book or even me for inspiration but the final responsibility is yours. There will come times when you are alone and you will be required to make hard choices. You need to make a contract with yourself now and take ownership of yourself, your running, your body and your mental health.
It makes me crazy to see people abdicating control of their lives and their health to companies or governments or others. Take responsibility for your own life.
Don’t blame others for where you are. It is your life and only you can be accountable for it.
I know it’s scary – but once you make the commitment it is actually very freeing. We cannot give up this responsibility. No one else can own your future.
Take responsibility for your own change. Don’t worry about things you can’t change. You are a combination of genetics, environment and free will. You can’t control your genetics, you can’t control your environment but you can control your own free will.
It’s easy to blame your parents, your job and your spouse – but really you will never be successful unless you take responsibility.
Taking responsibility is like any other muscle it will get stronger the more you exercise it. You can start small and get momentum. Here’s part one of your homework. Pay attention to yourself and look for opportunities to take responsibility. Are you deferring to others? Are you passing on decisions? Practice making decisions this week. Practice taking responsibility.
How does this apply to running? Don’t blame the shoes, the course, the holiday food, the weather or other people. It’s your responsibility to train well and smart. Take ownership of it.
You need to know, to internalize the fact that YOU have the ultimate power over your actions and your results. Here’s the second part of your homework. Come up with a nice catch phrase or mantra and read it every morning. I actually had one taped to my desk when I started a company that said “I can do anything, I can be anything and I am not afraid.” Because, let’s face it, I had no idea if I could do it and I was very afraid. I needed to remind myself every time I picked up the phone and take responsibility for getting it done. If you come up with something really good call in and share it with us.
The last part of your homework is to look for situations where you are blaming other people or other things. “I can’t go today because it is snowing.” I can’t run because Timmy is sick.” Try to turn those around. “Here’s how I will do it today.”
Hope this series is useful to you, or at least provides some grist for your mill. Let me know if you like it or hate it. And share your thoughts with me.
Chris Russell lives and trains in suburban Massachusetts with his family and Border collie Buddy. Chris is the author of “The Mid-Packer’s Lament”, and “The Mid-Packer’s Guide to the Galaxy”, short stories on running, racing, and the human comedy of the mid-pack. Chris writes the Runnerati Blog at www.runnerati.com. Chris’ Podcast, RunRunLive is available on iTunes and at www.runrunlive.com. Chris also writes for CoolRunning.com (Active.com) and is a member of the Squannacook River Runners and the Goon Squad.
Email me at cyktrussell at Gmail dot com
Running Podcast, podcasts for running, podcast for runners, free podcast for runners, Running Blog, marathon, triathlon, mileage, sprinting, run, track, training, running clubs, running groups, running shoes, exercise, health, 5k, running, swimming, sports, injuries, stretching, eating, jogging, biking, trail race, 5K, 10K, Ultramarathon, jogging a good exercise, road runner, jogging tips, benefits of jogging, free running, running shoes, marathon training, running, jogging, health and fitness, runners, runner, Boston qualification, Marathon BQ, Boston marathon