I had to really stretch and reach this week. With the Duathlon only days away fear started to set in. I thought I was holding it at bay pretty well until I read a thread that mentioned that the last portion of the bike was 12 miles all uphill. WHAT? I had errands to run and bags to pack I don't have time for this, I told myself as I pushed the thoughts away.
While sitting in the car at Walmart checking my list the thoughts came back. I was alone, it was raining outside so I couldn't get out. There was no place to hide. I had to deal with the fact that I was scared. Scared of what? The race? Would I be able to complete this race? How could I? I hadn't even covered the milage yet? Was I good enough, thin enough, fit enough, tough enough, deserving enough? What about the pain? What if I couldn't complete it? What would I do after I completed it? What would be next? What will I do then? All the thoughts came screaming at once. It was overwhelming. I figured I would reach out to my friends for comfort. Even the thought of reaching out scared me. Believe it or not I am an extremely private person. This entire lifestyle change is really stretching me. My best friend, Hubby, was watching Robin so I didn't want to interrupt him with such loaded emotions. I texted a few friends:
- The first set is a good group of girlfriends I told them to keep me in prayer. They promised they would and that they were so proud of me and that I would do well. As I read their comments the tears rolled down my face. No one is really hears me. Maybe I need to open up more.
- My next friend I reached out to I explained it all in detail. Their response was a question. Why do you fear success? Long story short, I felt judged and labeled when I was reaching out in a vulnerable state.
- A newer friend of mine that I feel like I've known forever simply texted that she understands and told me to do
me . That simple statement made me feel like I had been heard in the universe. Someone could actually see me. The real me!
I collected my thoughts, prayed, gave thanks to even be at this point in my life. I acknowledged how far I had come. Then I reached down deep into the well one more time for strength, dried my tears and patted myself on the back.
Come on Gee. The race is on Sunday. You got this. And out into the rain, I went to continue my way.
I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord.
~ Psl. 121:1
Weekly Workout Recap / Week Seven Duathlon Training May 4 - 10, 2015
Monday
Run / Walk: 20 mins
Today was the first time I actually ran the entire 5K distance
Tuesday
Off / Stretch
Wednesday
Run / Walk 10
Bike: 10
Run / Walk 10
Hubby got called into work. No training.
Thursday
Bike: 15
Friday
Off / Stretch
Unfortunately, I was not able to complete anymore training between life interrupting and the rain.
How do you deal with overwhelming emotions and fears?
Gina, sometimes faith is all we have left to help us continue on whatever path forces us out of our comfort zone. Good for you for continuing to push yourself througo the fear. Just remember, "Nothing great ever came from comfort zones." You'lol thank yourself for your decision later. Keep pushing!
ReplyDeleteJulian (www.boldandfearless.me, @BoldFearless1)
Great article! We all get scared but the key is to have your faith be stronger than your fear/
ReplyDeleteGina I love how you expressed your fears and yet you keep pushing anyway. We al; have fears and sometimes self-doubt can get the best of us. I love the quote "feel the fear and do it anyway." Best wishes on your journey.
ReplyDeleteCourage for sure, I'm trying to make all of my hearts disasters approve. I probably get in my own way more than I allow others. I like your quote.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand where you are coming from with this. I have definitely been in that moment of needing help and feeling like no one could hear me, I think those are the times where you need to be still, cry it out...and just regain your strength.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite scriptures! Gina I knew you would crush the duathon. You pushed through and conquered so many things physically and mentally. I was knee deep in new babyhood but kept you in prayer the whole time.
ReplyDelete