I can’t believe he said that to me.

I was out running with a guy the other week, and he said the weirdest thing to me.

We were running along, enjoying the autumn leaves and the way the sunlight caught them. 

Admiring the beautiful mirror image that was created over the canal. It was stunning.  My favourite time of year to run 💛

I was living my best life. And then he ruined the moment completely.  

I’d asked him what he was training for, and he was telling me about the Marathon he was getting ready for next year.  

He said he’d run it 3x before.  In his words, “Badly.”

WTF.

This man had run 26.2 miles. Not once, but 3 times.  A feat less than 1% of the population will ever achieve, and he summed that achievement up in one word. Badly.

It gets worse. 

He then told me about a 50k trail event he’d done a few months ago. His review of that achievement? 

Yep. You got it.  Again, he said he’d done it “badly”.

(BTW, only 0.007% of the population has run an ultramarathon.)

If he was describing his achievements this way out loud, what the hell was he saying to himself in his head? Because we're always more critical when we talk to ourselves. 

Whoosh. Gone were my happy vibes. 

All I could feel was empathy, because we've all talked this way to ourselves at some point.

Now I know some of us are British, and being outwardly proud of your achievements can leave you open to a proper bashing. 

But please, at least in your head, celebrate what a complete badass you are as a runner.  Whether you run 5k or 50k.

Sources vary, but some suggest only 10% of the world’s population has run even 5k.  

So as a minimum, you are in the top 10% in the world.

You are a badass.  Say it out loud, or keep it in your head, but say it. Believe it. Live it.

Why? 

Here’s the last, and possibly the most important statistic for you.  During a study on endurance cycling, participants using positive self-talk showed a 32% improvement in performance compared to when they didn't.

There’s a reason Cristiano Ronaldo is seen whispering “You will score” to himself before he takes penalties and free kicks. He’s done alright with that approach.

You’re already in the top 10%, so what more could you achieve with some simple internal encouragement?

My plea to you this week? Be kind to yourself.  Even if it’s just in your head.

Better still, reinforce that kindness with action.  Action speaks even louder than words. 

Take 5 minutes to relax, unwind and show yourself that you are worth taking care of.  You’re worth being kind to.  Both in your words and in your actions.

Not sure where to start? I’ve got you 👍

Try this short gentle hip mobility session HERE for some instant feel good vibes. 

On your rest day, or after your next run.  Anytime you need it this week.

I think you’re a badass.  

Have a great week,

Liz x