Wendy Pauls - Life Coach

A few weeks ago I ran my fifth full marathon. (For those of you who don’t know, a marathon is 42.2 kilometers or 26.2 miles) It is a true test of physical strength and endurance not only during the race itself but also in the weeks leading up to the event. I’ve learned a lot during these times - Not simply about running strategies but rather how the training experience mirrors other aspects of my life. During a long run, I often battle the desire to quit. My muscles are screaming, I’m hot, tired, and thirsty, and I wonder why I’m doing it in the first place. Similarly, in the process of establishing my own business and moving toward my dreams I have often fought the desire to quit (or at least put everything on the backburner.) The bills are “screaming", I’m overwhelmed, confused, and afraid and I wonder why I thought I could make it work.

But my training has taught me that endurance pays off....that there are times when my immediate goal may be to simply put one foot in front of the other. It's taught me that I CAN submit my "feelings" to my "will" and that I have a choice with every step I take - quit or keep going. I "feel" like quitting but I "choose" to keep going...and every step I manage to take brings me one step closer to my goal.

Shortly after crossing the finish line I realize what I just accomplished. And I'm grateful for all the mornings that I didn't hit the snooze button, for the three hour runs I didn't skip, for not listening to all the reasons I "couldn't", and for the many hills I had to climb.

And so today, I am grateful for simple life lessons learned from a hobby...and for the ability to view the challenges and obstacles in a different light. The very things that make the journey so difficult - the things I have to climb over, push through or leave behind - are the things that make me stronger and prepare me for what is yet to come.