ENJOYING WITHOUT QUALIFICATIONS

My intention is to frame my attempt at the Boston marathon, in anticipation of and stories thereafter, as something that I have fully earned, regardless of the distance or pace I run. I intend to enjoy all of the pre- and post-race festivities and celebrations as much as possible without diminishing my presence in the moment with qualifications and comparisons to external influences.

After I've congratulated someone on a recent race, I've often heard them lessen the value of their accomplishment by comparison to how they perceive my fitness. This comes across through tone or denotation, and it saddens me. 

Similarly, I now face the same challenge. How can I fully enjoy the celebration, the process, of this week around the marathon, without lessening the credit deserved for my perseverance and dedication in training, physically and emotionally?

RELAXING, WITH A SMILE, INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF FAILURE

In anticipating of toeing up to the start line on Marathon Monday, I feel a knot of excitement and anxiety. My hip hurts slightly when I walk and I will have spent 5 weeks without running by race-day.

I've said many times, "I'll be happy with myself if I do everything I can to run Boston." (Am I trying to convince myself as much as my friends and family that I will feel resolved about this choice?) In committing to running the first mile, regardless, I am fully aware that reaching my physical limit amid a cheering crowd at Mile 1 will likely arouse deep feelings of inadequacy.

Not running at all, would surely be safer, emotionally and physically, but shouldn't I give myself the opportunity to know without question, that I gave it my all? In visualizing the endless crowds and palpable excitement lining the streets, I yearn to experience every earned minute that I can hobble through. After a mile, I will heed the needs of my grumpy muscles if they cry out sharply or cause conspicuous limping.

What is the process, the story, the frame, the set of actions, that will challenge and excite me the most, such that I can smile now, at peace with the moment and uncertain future? 

OVERCOMING THE PLATEAU

Sorry to hear about the frustration despite your efforts. That would be really frustrating. I can assure you that your efforts are far from being in vain. You may be pushing up against a plateau right now as far as results go, but keep in mind that weight is really only a small percentage of what you're getting out of your efforts. Learning about yourself, physically and emotionally, as you continue on your journey will prove to be incredibly valuable as you look into the big picture of future endeavors.

How can you stay motivated? What things can be done to stay motivated? Feel the frustration fully... there is life in that. Now choose how you respond to it. In looking back on this years from now, how would you want to frame the story? What can you do to frame it positively? What would your future self want to tell your present self?

Your endeavor is honorable and worthy. The struggle you're facing is what makes it a challenge, and with it bigger potential for rewards. Recognize that what you thought you were up against may seem bigger than expected, but that you are up for the challenge as it really is, because you burn for the victory of conquering your goals.

What can I, personally, do to help you along? 1 thing, what would have the most impact? Holding you accountable? Calling/checking in weekly? Wait... You don't need my help. But if you want it, feel free to ask. :)

Oh, and smile, because of the journey. Don't wait for the destination. You're worth it.

On Finding Balance: The Interesting Place between Polar Advice

Go for it! Just do it! Take a risk!

Measure twice, cut once. Sleep on it first. Don't push the stream.

External and internal advice dialog can be helpful reminders in situations where the "right" direction is obvious, but how do you navigate the fuzzy middle ground? I find it not only more interesting to think about how I navigate these questions, but also more rewarding. In a big enough frame, it's not about what answer I've made, but how I got there, that will be useful going forward.

Perhaps the ideal resolution would be to find a way to honor both sides.

What polar advice do you wrestle with or have solved? How do you draw the line between the two?