Don't Beat Yourself Up

That is something I have to often tell myself. Yesterday was the 35th Annual Turkey Trot in Wichita. I remember watching my dad run in this race probably 20 years back. It was a family affair this year with me, Hubs, Little Bit and my 14yo stepson participating. I finished in just under 23 minutes. I know for 2 miles it seems slow. I KNOW! And this is where the title comes around. I can't beat myself up over it. I am definitely my own worst critic and my own worst enemy. As we stuck around and listened to the results, there were people who finished the race in under 11 minutes. (Uh, I was still on my first mile at that point.) I started to feel discouraged. But, I took a step back from the situation and really looked at it. The people who are beating my pants off are lifelong runners. Or, maybe not lifelong, but have probably been doing this longer than 4 months. I also need to remember I am dealing with knee issues. (We found out I have tendonitis in my right knee.) I am just proud of myself for getting out there. Six months ago I would never have pictured myself competing in a race.

I'm getting off track. My point is, don't let the results of others get to you. If you stumble, get up. If you get off track, get back on. Have faith in yourself to see things through. Don't beat yourself up because people twice you age run twice as fast. Just get out there and do what you can with what you have.