Just. Sign. Up.

Photo: Pinterest

 

If you sign up for something because you know you can do it, then you're cheating yourself. Sign up for something because you think you can't. Then prove yourself wrong.

 

I ran my first race on October 1, 2011. It was the Run Shadyside 5k. I was hooked. Over the next several months my running addiction unfolded like this:



• Terrifying 10k (2011)
• Turkey Trot 5k (2011)
• Tough Mudder - 13 miles (2012)
• Half Marathon - 13.1 miles (2012)
• Oyster Race - Got lost too many times to determine total distance (2012)
• Triathlon Sprint - 0.47 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3.1 miles run (2012)
• Turkey Trot 5k (2012)
• Full Marathon - 26.2 miles (2013)
• Tough Mudder (2013)
• Turkey Trot (2013)

I signed up for my first 5k with no expectations. I just loved getting outside and disappearing for an hour or two, or three, or more...Some people say running is "boring," but I think that's half the challenge -- ignoring that voice in your head telling you to stop. Saying, "I'm tired." "I can't." "My feet hurt."   Physical fitness is without a doubt an important part of any sport, but mental grit can carry you farther than anything.  So if you want to but think you can't, just sign up for that first race. You'll surprise yourself.

 

The starting line at the Pittsburgh Marathon, 2013. Photo: Danielle Gerson