Celebrate the Miles

I am a proud coach today! Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching my third Girls on the Run team compete in their culminating 5K. For anyone who isn’t aware, Girls on the Run is a non-profit that is dedicated to empowering young girls (3^rd-5^th graders) to boldly pursue their dreams. We meet twice a week for 10 weeks to discuss different life skills including, but not limited to, understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and working as a team. In addition to these lessons, we run…always with the intent of inspiring and motivating the girls.

The 5k is a great way to finish the season because it gives the girls a sense of achievement and a framework for setting and reaching goals. I can remember the first 5k I ran many years ago, and I think about how inspiring it is that these young ladies are able to do this at such a young age. The sense of confidence and pride that I felt at the race yesterday is overwhelming. Many of these girls had never run any sort of distance just 10 short weeks ago, but their faces at the finish line showed that they accomplished much more than running 3.1 miles. I even witnessed one girl crying afterwards and when asked by her coach what she was feeling she simply answered, “I’m just so happy.” The sense of fulfillment when someone is finally able to conquer a fear or overcome an obstacle is a beautiful thing. Everyone involved is inspired to get out there not only to encourage lifelong health and fitness, but also to learn to build confidence through our achievements.

 

 

One of our recent product designs introduces the slogan, “Celebrate the Miles”.  Just like some of my girls, who had fears they weren’t going to be able to finish that 5k, everyone attempting a new challenge also deals with fears and inhibitions.  The first, and often the most difficult hurdle is just taking the chance, committing to doing something new, whether that’s a new race distance, a new task at work, a different workout plan or a project at home.  Getting off go, can be the hardest part.  For my girls, the first few laps around the school building were slow and perhaps a bit painful.  But when you take a moment to celebrate each milestone, each step of progress along the way, your success breeds greater and greater successes.

Often times, in our triathlon club, we come across new members who find out we have completed many triathlons including Ironman and it’s intimidating.  It’s hard for them to recognize that we too were there one day, that we too started with that first 5k, that first sprint triathlon.  And while it may sound like we’re trying to be humble, we all truly mean it when we tell them that they too can do an Ironman.  It is simply a matter of putting your mind to it, taking that huge first step of committing to any goal, no matter how big or how small, and then continuing to put one foot in front of the other.  And one of the best ways to keep putting one foot in front of the other is to celebrate each small victory.  So, no matter what your next goal is, whether it’s to qualify for Boston or to run to the end of the block without being winded, be proud, celebrate each new milestone.   You are more amazing than you can possibly imagine! 

Sparkle.  Pounce. Celebrate you!

Sarah