“You could be so good if you would just focus!” The words of my old coach, Chuck keep ringing in my ears. Despite a track record of fast races and good grades, my closest friends would describe as easily distracted, overly enthusiastic, and not exactly, well, focused. In high school, my cross country teammates nominated me for the “Space Cadet” award and gave me a headband with bobble-head eyeballs. It’s not that I can’t be disciplined; it’s just that the world throws so many wonderful opportunities in my direction that I find it hard to say no to things. Three parties in one night? Sure! Take on an extra job to help fight cancer? Sign me up! Overnight relay on the east coast? Fun!
The very characteristic that so many people seem to love about me – my enthusiasm – can sometimes also be my detriment. My challenge, should I choose to accept it, is this: I must learn to channel my enthusiasm and focus my energy into a worthy goal and trust that I will have time to do all the other things in life later on when my running goals aren’t quite as lofty. There will (unfortunately) always be homeless people in need of food, for instance, so the opportunity to volunteer in a soup kitchen again isn’t going anywhere. The Grand Canyon, as well, isn’t going anywhere and neither will my desire to run from rim to rim.
(Drum roll please)….I am hereby committing myself to staying focused and consistent with my training in the next year and I will make the sacrifices needed to reach my true running potential.
Six weeks in to this season’s training schedule, I can already tell my hard work and sacrifices are paying off; I feel strong and tough, eyes laser-focused straight ahead, ready to tackle anything in front of me.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
YOU GO ROSE! I have the same problem sometimes (although I’m probably less enthusiastic about it!) and I know you can do it. You are going to feel SO AWESOME at the end of this that you will probably be able to volunteer in 17 soup kitchens at once! This is going to teach you that discipline, the missing link, that will get you everything you want out of life
congrats and I can’t wait to watch you succeed! I’m cheering for you and being inspired by you everyday!!!
totally cheering for you rose. i can relate to a lot of that…
I hear ya sister! It’s like going to the grocery story when you’re really hungry. Bad idea. On the other hand, sometimes I think an overly narrow focus makes overly narrow people…and so I like the idea of dabbling. I’m sure you will find the path that’s right for you. Congrats on your recent training. That’s exciting!!!