What Are YOU?

Author

Nikki Bostrom
February 06, 2023

My first trail run of the year (and at least the last 4 months) was yesterday. It was just under 8.5 miles.

When I first planned it, I thought "this will be great".

On the day of the run, I started to doubt myself, "this is going to be way too long".

So I checked the trail again:

  • lots of winding areas (yes, I like)

  • barely any elevation (350ft - easy)

  • there's a pond (something fun to look at)

  • Check, check, check!

Then I thought, "OK, I can do this; it will be fun", as I laced up my running shoes.

Then I started running.

I looked down at my watch: 1.03 miles 😟 "That's it?!"

And the doubt started seeping in:

  • "Why did you think this was a good idea?"

  • "You're not going to be able to run this whole thing."

  • "You have over 7 miles to go still!"

I noticed I was slowing down. The run was becoming harder. My feet were feeling heavier...

And then, I decided to shift gears. I asked myself, "What am I?"

  • "I am strong."

  • "I am capable."

  • "I am doing this no matter what!"

None of that felt really believable. I was still struggling. So I kept saying them over and over in my head.

The more I repeated them, the more creative and motivating thoughts came:

  • "I am strong enough to finish this run."

  • "I am in nature!"

  • "I am loving this trail!"

  • "I am so fortunate to be able to run out here."

  • "I am willing..."

"I am willing" opened up a flood gate of ideas:

  • "I am willing to suffer through this."

  • "I am willing to put in however long this takes me."

  • "I am willing to not be good at this."

  • "I am willing to want to stop, but keep going anyways."

  • "I am willing to put one foot in front of the other."

  • "I am willing to struggle up this hill."

  • "I am willing to feel how tired my legs are."

  • "I am willing to persevere."

I kept at this game of willingness, capability, and strength for most of the run.

I finished it, and it was glorious!

This simple exercise helped push me through.

I felt amazing emotionally because I allowed myself to be exactly where I was. AND I loved myself through the entire run.

So "What are you??" Start with "I am..." and fill in the blank.

Keep repeating it and see what you can come up with.

What doors can you open for yourself today?

This is the perfect time to get back on track and fall back in love with your body.

Let me show you how.