At the beginning of the year, I set an intention to run another half marathon in May.
I created a plan and started to train, but by March, it became clear that my body was not up for the task. The training was too rigorous, too soon.
And so, knowing better than to ignore my body’s protests, I hatched a new plan: I would master the three mile loop that stretched behind my house and once I could run that with ease, I would increase the mileage.
Forwarding through the summer months, I followed my plan consistently—I’d set off early into the fresh morning, feet pounding the golden pavement as the road disappeared behind my back. I started off feeling invigorated and determined, however, there always came a point where my body broke down and my only option was to walk.
First, it was the hills {what felt like mountains at the time}.
Then it was the cramps {fixed with proper hydration}.
Then it was my Spirit {the thick humid heat of summer threatened to throw me from my training out of sheer exhaustion and oppression}.
What happened was this: I found myself running the same three mile loop, getting stuck at one point or another, over and over again, hoping for different results. I ran the same steps, at the same time of morning, in the same direction, day after day, on repeat.
How often do you do this in your life?
How often and where do you get stuck living on the same three mile loop?
Aside from running, the place I’m especially present to where this shows up is investing with my Coach. I’ve wanted to work with her at the 1:1 level for over a year now, but every time I feel ready to take it on, I retract back into fear. I choose the less risky route {investing at the group level} or nothing at all.
My fear brings up the same question every time: How will I be able to make all of the payments without going into debt?
{AKA the same three mile loop}.
It wasn’t until I decided to shake things up that I had the breakthrough I was seeking in my training {and in my life}.
In an attempt to create momentum after a stagnant summer, I began to poke holes in my daily routine.
I visited a new coffee shop to write.
I went for a nature walk in the middle of the day.
I ran my three mile loop in the opposite direction.
The more change I introduced, the more bold I became. And finally, on a beautiful sunny Sunday, I decided to really stretch myself. I decided to attempt a four mile loop that wound itself around a picturesque pasture with wide open sky and green, rolling hills. Although I had some trepidation—would I be able to run the whole thing? If I couldn’t master the three mile loop, how could I run a four mile loop with MORE hills?—I was at least willing to try.
As I continued on at a steady pace, somewhere around the three and half mile mark, an insight hit my consciousness like a lightening bolt: I WAS STILL RUNNING. And it was… EASY. Really?! In that moment, I realized I could trust my body. I could trust my body to carry me through.
Just like in life: I can trust myself.
At the core of so many fears, there’s a belief that we can’t trust ourselves.
If I invest with my Coach, I can’t trust myself to create the money.
If you were to make that significant change in your life, you can’t trust yourself to make it work.
And so, we resign to living our lives on the same three mile loop—thinking that if only we could master the loop, THEN we could do what we really want to do. Totally logical, right?
However, look at how much possibility we leave on the table with that line of reasoning. If we never stretch ourselves, we wouldn’t know what we’re capable of. Like the chicken and the egg, does the belief and trust in self come BEFORE or AFTER taking the leap?
Just like I did on that sunny Sunday, sometimes you’re going to have to make an attempt before you’re ready.
And just like I found out on that sunny Sunday, you might discover you’re way more capable than you think.
With love,
-Kayla
P.S. You know what’s the funniest thing of all? I ran that same three mile loop the other day and it was a piece of cake.
P.S.S. If you’re feeling the call to create the life you actually want versus the one you’ve resigned yourself to, I’d love to help.
In honor of summer settling into Fall and the momentum that naturally occurs at this time of year, I’m giving away ten Create The Impossible Sessions to ten lucky individuals. If you’d like to experience the power of deep coaching and what it can do for you, email me at kaylamacarthurcoaching@gmail.com to grab your spot 🙂
Words & Wisdom
Enter your information below to receive Kayla’s blog posts.
Leave a Reply