The Power of Expectations

November 17, 2014

“Expectations are like fine pottery. The harder you hold them, the more likely they are to crack.” 
― Brandon Sanderson

The way our brains think and the expectations they create of ourselves – real or perceived – are a funny thing. Since finishing out my fall marathon training cycle and no longer following a plan, I’ve just been running (and sometimes not running). Given my lower mileage and no regimented speed workouts, my brain has decided that I probably can’t run very fast anymore and that I’m already out of shape. Well, nice to see you too, brain. Pfff.

The thing about having no expectations every once in a while is that sometimes, you let go of the pressure you put on yourself. You let go of the demands of being great and perfect and strong. And sometimes, you find out that when you let go of those expectations, you still are – strong and capable of more.

During the past 2 weeks, I’ve gone out for a few easy runs. When I’ve looked down at my watch mid-way through, I noticed I was running tempo pace (faster than what my brain usually thinks I can do). What? Where did that come from? It feels easy. Don’t get me wrong, there have been plenty of runs that haven’t felt glorious, but sometimes when we just let go and run – for the fun of it, for the joy of it – we can still surprise ourselves.

When I was out for a run yesterday morning, I saw these words spray painted on the sidewalk in a tunnel that is known for its graffiti art.

The power of expectations on runladylike.com

It reminded me about running and that running helps us become more. It was the perfect reminder of the true expectation I have for myself: to simply become more by doing things that make me better – as a person, as a friend, as a runner, as a human being. It’s not a training plan, a race goal or a number to chase. Right now, for me, it’s simply about continually striving to be the best version of me. When I run – no matter how fast or how slow – I always become more.

What kinds of expectations do you have for yourself right now? How about your running? What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever seen spray painted around town?

Comments

Allie

I couldn’t agree more! I’m relishing in some “downtime” because I needed a re-set. When running (or anything) becomes too overwhelming it’s time to take a break, or at least a small step back. Love that you saw these words just when you needed to. Funny how that happens…

Karen @karenlovestorun

I agree with you! Expectations are difficult esp when your brain plays tricks on you sometimes. My running expectations right now are to just do as much as I can through pregnancy. I can’t really have any set expectations as I don’t know how I will feel everyday/week/month. NOT having expectations is tough for me as I am a planner!
Karen @karenlovestorun

Tina Muir

Totally agree Jesica! You know I have struggled with this, and I am sure it is a big part of the reason I struggled in Chicago. I often think of things as a “sign”, this was definitely one for you, and so appropriate! I love it!

Gabrielle from Austria

I love this post, Jesica!
I’m slowly making progress and I more and more love running. I feel the same way, running makes “more” out of me.

In Italy once I saw the word “Forza!” That means strength and that’s all of us need, right?

Sarah @ KS Runner

Love this! I’ve been in a weird transition period too. I ran NYCM and haven’t run since. I’ve trained consistently since 2007 and told my husband that I’d take some time off. It was needed and I’m ready to run again, but I feel the same way. I feel like I’m out of shape and like I can’t do it.

I can ‘become more’ with or without running, but I know I’ll love it more with running as a big part of my life!

Sarah @RunFarGirl

I really love that quote at the top! Sometimes letting go of our grip on a big goal actually leads to achieving it.

Leslie @ Triathlete Treats

Great post! Totally true! I am recovering from NYC now and happy not to be on a schedule. I actually haven’t run since the race. Letting my body recover. I am working out but just doing spin classes and swimming at “my leisure”! It is nice to have some downtime!!