“But it Doesn’t Matter”
I’ve had a little jump start on the training thanks to a crazy idea I had to sign up for my first marathon with fellow relay runner, Kelly. During my training for February’s marathon, I’ve been reading the “The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer”. Not only does it help train your body, it’s largely focused on training your mind. One of the mantras suggested in the book that I found super useful during my week visit to snowy Utah was “but it doesn’t matter.” They suggest you use this line every time you come up with an excuse why you can’t or shouldn’t or don’t want to run.
“It’s snowing outside”…. “but it doesn’t matter.”
“It’s 17 degrees outside” ….”but it doesn’t matter.”
“I’m at 5000 ft altitude and I usually run at sea level” ….”but it doesn’t matter.”
Not only has the mantra “but it doesn’t matter” gotten me out the door in my running shoes during the hard days, I have found myself using it in other areas of my life where my excuses often keep me from accomplishing my goals.
Go ahead. Try it!
P.S. I found running in the snow, ice, cold, and altitude to be so hard yet so exhilirating. I just kept comparing myself to Rocky when he’s preparing to fight the Russian and that made me feel tough!
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Marathon! You and Kelly are going to be more than ready for The Relay come May. Running at sea level is going to be awesome.
i just read the description of the book and now I have to get it. Sounds like must read while I train. Thanks for the tip!
About 10 years ago, I set out to do a half-marathon. A friend was in grad school getting a masters in sports psychology, so he gave me a free therapy session as part of an assignment he had. I came away with a mantra to use during the tough part of running – for me the second ten minutes. It was “I am an athelete.” It represented a leap of faith for me, something I needed to believe in order to keep running. I repeated it in my head whenever I struggled, and I think it was pretty effective. Any of you are welcome to borrow it.
Thanks Carrie! I needed this, espesh since my excuse for tomorrow is… I mean was, “I can’t run in that yucky inversion/dirty air. “It doesn’t matter”!
I found your blog through another blog and got SO excited! I read that same book and my marathon is this Sunday! I am excited/scared/nervous/confident all at the same time!
Oh, Utah! I love your mantra, I’m adopting it!