My biggest problem is negativity. I will say that over the years I have worked very hard to reduce the amount of negative thoughts and thinking that goes on in my mind but when things look bleak I tend to revert back to that negative thinking. It is a major problem and it really messes with my mojo.
This week when I got injured during my long run my thoughts reverted to negativity. Basically I had myself in surgery and out of the marathon before I could even give myself a day or two to rest and recover. The timeline of my injury plus my negative, irrational thought process went like this:
Sunday: 14.5 mile run with an injury (knee pain) during the last half mile=no marathon
Monday: Pain and difficulty walking=something seriously wrong which means surgery plus no marathon
Tuesday: Feeling better but still experiencing slight pain=orthopedist appointment made so I could get the bad news that I’ll need surgery and not be able to run the marathon.
Tuesday 4:00 pm: Headed to the orthopedist even though most knee pain has now subsided=Knee is good but shin hurts so I must have a stress fracture.
Tuesday 6:00 pm: Left orthopedist with no official injuries except for tendonitis of lower leg=no running until Saturday or Sunday and definitely no long run this week which means no marathon
Wednesday: Feeling better = I emailed my coach to confirm that I would not be able to run the marathon
Thursday 7:30 am: Coach emailed me back and wants me to call him = definitely no marathon
Thursday 8 am: Spoke with Coach who said not to worry I can absolutely run the marathon and this is probably a blessing in disguise which will actually end up being good for my training rather than detrimental. Alternate exercises prescribed including elliptical training, strength training and stretching. *sigh* (of relief) I will be able to run the marathon.
All’s well that ends well…..right!?! I am happy to say that I will be able to run the marathon but when I read about my irrational thinking I am so unhappy that when the going gets tough my thoughts revert back to complete negativity. I really do believe in the power of positive thinking and positivity results in a better outcome but I just can’t convince my brain that this is true. Negativity is my safety blanket because if I think the worst then when the worst happens I pretty much was expecting it so the disappointment is less detrimental.
Negativity is not productive, as a matter of fact it is actually counterproductive and can actually make things worse. I have definitely become a more positive person and the negativity is not as prominent in my thoughts as it used to be but after this week I still believe it is a problem that I need to work harder at combatting completely. I am going to take a cue from Harold’s recent blog post, “The Power of “I Will”. I WILL stop the negative thinking and be more positive.
Now for something positivity!!
I have been alluding to a “big” project I have in the works and I am so excited to say it will be coming to fruition very soon!! Check out a preview here.
I also have the winner of the Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet…drumroll please!!!!!
Congrats!!! Please email me your info with your selected Banjees Wrist Wallet so I can forward it on the the company!!!! If you didn’t win and still want to purchase a Banjees Wrist Wallet Sprigs is offering my readers a discount on Sprigs.com until 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday September 13th. Just input the code: RunLoveLive20 during your checkout. The code is valid for 10% off orders up to $29.99 or 20% on orders of $30 and over.
It is Friday which means the weekend is here!!!!!! I hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!!
What helps you stay positive??
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad your coach says you can still do the marathon! Woohoo! Negative thoughts often enter my head too:( I have to shut them up and move on even though it’s hard sometimes. Have a great weekend!
hikermom recently posted..Free Rant Friday
Thanks so much!!! Negativity is bad
Congrats, winners! I think we all struggle with staying positive at some point. Marathon injuries are so emotional because we have sooooo much time invested in training. Glad you are still able to race!
Yo Momma Runs recently posted..Believe in yourself, or get a kid to do it for you
Thanks!