This post is written in two halves, the first is before I embark on my challenge, the second is post completion (hopefully).
The challenge is the 12km City to Surf run, here in Perth. Running from Perth City centre to City Beach, a beach to the west of the city.
Pre Challenge
For those of you who know me, will know I’m not a runner. Having spent the last decade focused on strength training and running long distance is completely counterintuitive to building strength.
I had been thinking about doing something like this for a while and then 8 weeks ago I thought it would be a great idea to sign up for this 12km run.
My initial thoughts were “how hard can it be, it is only 12km?!”, often being one to underestimate what is required for physical challenges, workload and the like.
Despite my lack of confidence in my physical preparedness for this challenge, I have confidence in my ability to overcome adversity, to dig deep and attack anything with the best of my ability.
I have done some running in preparation, and it sure has been a leveller. I did not expect running to be as hard as I have found it to be.
But like I said, I have a deep belief in my ability to dig deep and overcome hurdles. I spend a lot of time visualising and rehearsing what I will do in certain situations. Attempting this run is one of those situations.
I know from my training that it’ll get to a point where I want to give up, probably not that far in, so it’ll come down to how I respond in my mind to that adversity. Being present in each stride and focusing on “the suckfest” I imagine it will be.
Post Challenge
I’m thrilled to report that I completed the 12km City to Surf run! It wasn’t easy, and I felt every step, but I managed to finish without major injury. Throughout the run, seeing people of all ages and abilities gave me a boost of motivation. If they could persevere, so could I.
The run was as much a mental challenge as a physical one. My body is sore, but the power of my thoughts carried me through. I listened to Joe Dispenza's 'Evolve Your Brain,' which reinforced how crucial our mindset is in overcoming obstacles. His story of recovery from a severe spinal injury inspired me to keep pushing forward.
I take pride in my discipline, a principle echoed by Jocko Willink’s quote, “Discipline equals freedom.” This experience has reinforced my belief in maintaining a rigorous routine to allow flexibility and freedom in other areas of life.
This run was a testament to the power of the mind over the body and a reminder of what we can achieve when we persevere.
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