Rookie Rule #12
Accept the Pain.
When you’re pushing your body to its limits in pursuit of a goal, make no mistake, it’s going to hurt. But being in pain doesn’t always mean you are injured.
A couple weeks ago, I ran the last 24 miles of the Chicago Marathon with pain — in my hips, ankles, knees and feet. I wasn’t injured. Nothing was broken. No muscles were pulled. So I accepted the pain and kept going.
How did I do it? How does anyone do it? When you’re new to running, the immediate inclination is to stop at the first sign of pain or discomfort. Naturally, you want to escape pain, but, the “hurt” is important sometimes.
It’s all about your attitude. Don’t block out the pain; you still need to be hooked into your body in case something major does happen (and believe me, you’ll KNOW when it’s a real injury). Instead, acknowledge its presence and decide it’s not going to be a barrier or an excuse for not reaching your goal, be it finishing a big race or a routine training run.
This attitude will serve you on runs, and in life. Think of the pain as a way to strengthen your mind and body. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, right? — Mags
