From Pilates to Pavement: The Transformative Power of Physical Exercise and Mental Training
Hey there, friends! đ
I wanted to share a bit about my journey this year as I gear up for my second half marathon. Itâs been a ride filled with sweat, sore muscles, and, most importantly, self-discovery. For those of you who donât know me, Iâve always been passionate about physical movement. As a Pilates instructor, my days were dedicated to guiding others in their practice, ensuring they achieved their goals and found joy in their bodies. But somewhere along the way, I realized I had been neglecting something important: my own physical and mental health.
This year, I decided to flip the script. I embarked on a journey to become a runner, and itâs been nothing short of transformative. The decision to train for a half marathon wasnât just about crossing the finish line; it was about cultivating a better version of myself and changing my identity from a passive observer to an active participant in my own wellness journey. Hereâs how I embraced the runner’s identity and the profound impact it had on my life.
A New Identity: Becoming a Runner
The first step was adopting a new identityâa runner. I had always admired runners for their discipline, resilience, and the pure joy they found in their stride. To embody this new identity, I had to change my routines and build habits that aligned with my goals. This was not a New Yearâs resolution that would fade by February. It was a commitment to myself, a promise to show up for my own practice just as I had been for others.
Running 21 kilometers requires more than just physical endurance; it demands a mindset shift. You canât just lace up your shoes and hit the pavement without considering the holistic changes necessary to support this endeavor. I had to take a hard look at my nutrition, sleep patterns, and daily habits. This was not merely about running but cultivating a lifestyle conducive to my new goal.
Overcoming Challenges: Shin Splints and Self-Doubt
As with any journey worth taking, challenges arose. My biggest hurdle? Shin splints. Those pesky pains were a sign that I needed to adjust my training. The solution was a combination of rest and focused recovery workâsomething my Pilates background significantly helped with. I leaned into calf training, skipped a few runs, and prioritized spinal rotation and activation. (For those interested, you can find some great exercises from our Pilates video library here, or get your individually designed trainings plan, based on conducted fitness test + analysis, with out 3 months Holistic Program here)
Recovery became an essential part of my training routine. Enough sleep, proper nutrients, and, most importantly, listening to my body. It wasnât always easy, but I knew that pushing through pain would do more harm than good.
I also faced moments of self-doubt. There were voices around me suggesting I take it easy, skip a day, or perhaps stop altogether. But I came to understand that these voices werenât discouraging me. They were reminding me of the importance of self-care and balance. Sometimes, that means saying ânoâ to a night out or taking a day off to recharge both physically and mentally.
The Power of Mental Training
Physical exercise is just one side of the coin; the mental aspect is equally powerful. Throughout this journey, Iâve become acutely aware of my mindâs tricksâthe doubts, the negative self-talk, and the temptations to procrastinate. But, more importantly, Iâve learned how to combat them.
You develop an intimate understanding of yourself, both mentally and physically. You start recognizing which of your habits serve your goals and which distract you. For me, getting out of the door begins with something as simple as putting on my running gear and lacing up my shoes. Itâs like a ritual that signals my brain: Itâs go time!
Over time, I’ve built a repertoire of tricks to keep me going:
- Sleep and Hydration: A good night’s sleep before a long run is non-negotiable, and staying hydrated is crucial.
- Coffee Caution: I love coffee, but on run days, I hold off to avoid unnecessary pit stops.
- Podcasts and Music: Whether it’s an inspiring podcast or an upbeat playlist, having audio companionship helps me stay motivated.
- Shared Accountability: Sharing my progress with someone whoâs been through itâa coach or a fellow runnerâhas been invaluable.
These small yet powerful shifts in my daily routine have made all the difference.
You Are Not Alone
To anyone considering a similar journey, whether itâs running a marathon, starting a new workout regimen, or simply committing to better habits, remember: You got this.
You are capable of far more than you think. But remember, you don’t have to go it alone. I’m here to support you as a coach and a fellow enthusiast of movement and change. Together, we can align your physical training with your mental fortitude, ensuring you reach your goals with confidence.
Reach out to me if you need a pep talk, a personalized training plan, or just someone to remind you of the affirming thoughts that will get you out of bed and into action.
Embrace the journey, savor every step, and remember: Every kilometer brings you closer to a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
Until next time, keep moving and keep believing in your potential. đđȘ
I hope this resonates with your experience and serves as a motivating read for anyone looking to transform their routine. Leave me a comment if it does or to share your experience with that! Happy to connect!!
