Somewhere around 3rd grade, I became awkward girl. Maybe it’s because we moved and I changed schools, maybe it would have happened at that age anyway. Either way, I became the girl not comfortable in her own skin. I became the girl picked last for EVERY sport and EVERY team in PE class. (We don’t pick grammar teams that way, do we?)
So, my biggest struggle in getting active was ME. I believed I didn’t have an athletic bone in my body. I believed I was the slowest. I believed I couldn’t do it.
Until one day, I thought, “Hey, maybe I’ll try.” And that day, I started a Couch to 5K program.
Looking ahead through the program, that little voice in my head kept popping up,
“You’ll never be able to run 5 minutes straight.”
“You’ll never run a 5K without stopping.”
I shushed those voices and guess what? You can, too.
You ARE an athlete. You ARE a runner. You CAN do this.
Bridget Edwards completed her first 5k in April 2012. She blogs about cookies and other dangerous treats on her blog, Bake at 350, bakeat350.blogspot.com.
Love this post, Bridget!!! It’s so true that we do hold ourselves back from so many things by thinking “what we are not” rather than believing we can do just about anything we set our minds to. Mercy! I need to read this every. single. day!
What a poignant post, Bridget. This just shows that you can redefine yourself in any way when you really set your mind to it. Thanks so much for sharing this!
I know exactly how this feels. I love how running has changed the inner core of who we are – we are changing our own history, and that is pretty darn awesome!
Thanks for sharing! Love that quote and I love how this group is changing lives-one step at a time!
I feel like that on so many days. I used to be so active back in high school and college, but after getting sidelined with a back injury I’m struggling to redefine myself again. Having so many strong, powerful, and absolutely awe-inspiring women in this group all doing the same thing makes this whole task so much easier. Well, easier being a relative term when you talk about running haha.
Bridget, thanks for laying it all out there for us. You’re a rockstar in so many people’s eyes.
You are seriously one of my favorite people in the entire world, so the fact that you were picked last for teams when you were younger totally makes me sad. I’d pick you first! Great, motivational post today. You are awesome!
Thank your for this post today Bridget. I needed this motivation today.
LOVE. IT. Nothing more needs to be said!
What an inspirational post! I totally agree. Those little voices in our heads need to go away – we can do anything we set our minds to!
Absolutely right-on. Why not YOU?! And you are FIRST on my team, Bridget!
Love this open and honest post, Bridget!
Totally! For being a little voice it sure speaks loudly, doesn’t it? Seems to be a constant battle. Some days I can hear it over the sound of the treadmill, but some days I can’t
Bridget, this is an awesome post! I feel like you are talking to me… Who is that little voice in our heads who keeps chattering away?! Thanks, lady!
Love this! It’s hard getting started and telling yourself “I can.” But WE DID!!!
Does the elliptical count? I think I may be able to do a 5k on the elliptical. The hilly roads around my house kick my butt, though.
Honestly, that was very motivational! I’m sharing this with everyone. Bridget, you’re one cool Chickie!
I still tell myself those kinds of things every time I go to run. I’ve run 2 5k’s and still doubt I’ll be able to run but haven’t had to walk yet
Eewwww… PE class… don’t remind me! Thank you for all the inspiration. Being a part of this group is truly making me push myself and KNOW I CAN DO IT!
Found myself saying this the other day, glad there are so many supportive people to help me push through.
Even though I’m not part of the group, I think about all of you women every time I do a lap around my little cemetery in the mornings. It’s a wonderful gift you’re giving to the community Bridget – to be ok w/trying – trying something new – in the level of activity as well as a new way of thinking, a new way to see ourselves. Giving permission to try, to fail and to try again. You really are Wonder Women
I have cold chills…I needed this post! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
There are a bunch of us awkward girls, struggling to believe we can succeed. That our bodies won’t let us down. Thanks Bridget for helping us believe in ourselves.
I can so relate, Bridget! When I was growing up my mom discouraged me from participating in athletics so I’ve always thought I would never be an athlete of any sort. 15 months ago, at age 54, I took the plunge and started Couch to 5K. I finished it and kept on running! I’m coming up on the anniversary of my first 5K in August and have done 10 of them this past year. What a thrill to say, “I AM AN ATHLETE! I AM A RUNNER! I CAN DO THIS!”
Amen sister. Those voices can be deafening. And defeating…debilitating. We all have them and I’m here to say *no more*! I’m gonna run those voices right out the door!