WEEK 4 APRIL 2012
Congratulations to all the 37,500 runners that completed the London marathon yesterday. More than £50 million was raised for an array of charities. I ran the Chicago Marathon many years ago and as a former professional sprinter, I will never forget the joy and exhilaration of completion. There was such camaraderie that was enjoyed with total strangers and there were thousands of spectators supporting you along the way. It is such an incredible achievement to complete a marathon and I salute every single one of you.
You may not have run a marathon yet, but what “marathon” figuratively speaking do you need to complete in your life?
I”ve learned that finishing a marathon isn’t just an athletic achievement. It’s a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible.
John Hanc, Running writer
Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don’t so much out run your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head.
Joe Henderson
If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.
Katharine Switzer, Women’s marathoning pioneer
Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you’re not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you’re not demanding more from yourself – expanding and learning as you go – you’re choosing a numb existence. You’re denying yourself an extraordinary trip.
Dean Kamazes, Ultra Marathon runner
We are all capable of much greater than we realise.
To dream anything that you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.
Bernard Edmonds
Whatever your ‘marathon’ is you have to run, go for it. Challenge yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Enjoy the journey and the completion. That is what is important.
Wishing you every success
Ann
Ann Quinn, Ph.D Peak Performance Specialist