The Secret to Running Success

March 12, 2015

“If you just planted some seeds in your garden today, you wouldn’t go outside tomorrow and yell at them because there wasn’t any fruit yet. So don’t dig up your seeds. Be patient, and know that it will happen – what receives your care and attention will flourish.” ~Denise Linn

In the fast-paced world we live in, full of technology and access to just about anything, we often seek immediate gratification. If we spend time doing something, we want to see immediate results. When we work hard, we want that effort to translate instantly.

When it comes to running, success is a journey. Nothing happens instantly with running. I’ve been talking with and working with numerous runners this year who are learning the greatest secret of running: patience.

The secret to running success on runladylike.com

Just like the seeds we may plant in our garden, becoming a stronger runner takes time and care. There are many things we can do to spark our growth, like being consistent with our training, building our base slowly and safely, stretching and foam rolling, integrating speed work, etc. Similarly, like a drought or intense winds that can destroy our plants, there are just as many things out of our control that can stunt our running growth – illness, injury, weather, stomach issues. Unexpected challenges are a part of running. There is sadly no way for us to escape them. Our patience in how we deal with them and overcome them dictates how quickly and effectively we will grow.

Lately, I’ve been talking to a number of runners about their challenges … and their impatience in dealing with them.

I had several bad runs this week. Maybe I’m not ready for my race after all.

I’m in a lot of pain, but I just really want to run my race this month.

I just got sick. Should I still run my race?!?

My pace is so slow. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, you’re not alone.

What’s the worst that can happen?

The next time you find yourself impatient from all the challenges running throws your way, consider the very worst that can happen:

You might have to slow down.

You might have to walk.

You may not finish quite as fast as you hoped.

You may need to take a few weeks off to heal so you can run long-term.

You may have to back out of a race and choose another one.

I know all of these things are disappointing, especially if you’ve been working hard for a goal for a long time. But if you think about it, these things aren’t really that bad. They are hard in the moment and they are incredibly frustrating, but the next training season or cycle comes faster than it seems. I have watched so many runners come back from injury or heartbreak with the most amazing races and results than they could have previously imagined. I remember when my own marathon journey first began, I got a case of runner’s knee right before I signed up for my first marathon. So I waited until the following fall, and one year later I ran the race I had originally wanted to run and exceeded my expectations. It didn’t happen overnight, but it will happen.

Remember that with patience come results. Don’t dig up your seeds.

Most often, we learn our greatest lessons about running from the challenges and difficult times we go through. Patience is a virtue. You’ve got this.

Are you an impatient runner? What are the toughest challenges you have overcome since you started running? Do you have any advice for those struggling with patience right now?

Comments

kristin | W [H] A T C H

it’s so true. i wrote recently about how hard it is to start running. we set our expectations high, then don’t see progress and so we quit. the reality is that we grow and build strength incrementally, sometimes with infinitesimally small strides that we don’t notice. but it’s progress all the same and over time the result is worth it.

rUnladylike

Kristin, What you share is so, so true. Thanks for your perspective. You are right that everything we do … even the things we may struggle with or fail at … is progress, even when we don’t realize it. Love your thoughts. xo

Tina Muir

JESICA! I LOVE this, and I needed this! Thank you so much! So true, and we are always in a rush to get where we want to go, but we often end up giving up just before those roots break the surface. I am determined to keep persevering this time, and it may take time, but I am gonna get there. Thanks for the reminder 🙂

rUnladylike

I’m so glad it was helpful Tina. You absolutely will get to where you want to be and go. I have so much faith in you and your amazing abilities. Keep nurturing your seeds 🙂 xo

Allie

I love when running reflects life and vice versa. Yes, I’m an impatient runner and person but I have gotten better. I also love the “worst case scenario” and I’ve implemented it many, many times and it always works!! As my non-running husband once said to me, trying to calm my nerves before my first ever marathon, “Don’t you just have to run?” Yep.

rUnladylike

Oh, how smart your hubby is Allie. If we could all just remember that more, right? xo

Robyn

I can’t even imagine what you’re talking about. WHO are these runners of whom you speak? 🙂

Seriously, very good to be reminded that this is a universal struggle, and all part of the journey. Something to bear in mind when I’m running (or as I have been saying, when I’m “running”) my race on Sunday!

rUnladylike

Robyn, you are amazing and you are not alone. I can’t tell you how many runners I’ve talked to lately that are going through some of the same challenges you are familiar with. Every season, every cycle is a learning experience. And as I always say, the ones that are hard and don’t always go as planned are the ones we learn the most from and grow the most from as a result. Good luck this weekend. I will be cheering you on virtually. xoxo

misszippy1

Could not agree more! It took me a long time to get to a patient place with my running, but now I have it in spades. Maybe too much, b/c I am enjoying the slow lane a bit too much these days! ; )

Gabrielle from Austria

Jess, that’s consolation at the right time! My seeds seem to be from a very slow growing tree…..
Yes, I have been learning to be patient and I run because it gives me so much pleasure. (However once in a while I am still thinking: I’m so slow, I don’t know what’s wrong with me….)
Thank you!

Genna

WONDERFUL post 🙂
This will be my last race of the season and it’s going to go just like that! I originally wanted to PR but a sprained ankled, and allergies are not going to let that happen… Right now, It’s finished and planning for the future after Sunday

rUnladylike

I’m so sorry you have had to deal with all these challenges Genna. I’ll be thinking about you this weekend and looking forward to a great season to come for you when you are all better and healthy. xo

Angie

What a great post! I think all of us runners are impatient at times, but like you said, don’t dig up your seeds. What is the worst thing that could happen? I love that quote and will remember it next time I am getting impatient! I am starting to run again without headphones as training for my HIM, and although I hate giving up music when running, it somehow calms me and helps me truly appreciate the moment and not be so worried on my future goals.

Carly @ Fine Fit Day

I was an impatient runner before my first marathon. I was injured in training and missed a couple of key long runs, then decided I could still do it – that I HAD to do it. 4 weeks on crutches with a torn adductor after I crossed the finish line taught me that it’s okay to know when to say uncle. This is a great post and I hope a lot of newer runners read it! Happy weekend, Jesica!