Life after a Marathon.
The trouble with achieving any long held goal, dream or ambition is the inevitable feeling of loss once you’ve finally got there.
I know from many years experience as a coach that there always seems to be the “what next?” bit. Let’s face it you’ve worked your socks off, possibly for months. Eat, slept and breathed for the very outcome. Bored your friends and family rigid, while you chase that goal with all your might. Then before you know it you’ve done it you’ve conquered the beast and you’re left wondering what the hell to do next!
Despite knowing all of this as soon as I had completed the Marathon this was me. Oh don’t get me wrong – I basked in the glory. I milked it for all it was worth and I enjoyed the immense sense of calm and pride I had for finally achieving something I had wanted to do for THIRTY years.
To say its been life changing is an understatement.
Chasing this dream has been one of the best, most significant things I have ever done! I am fitter, healthier and happier than I have been in a long time.
My OCD has improved dramatically. I sleep better, I worry less and I feel genuinely on top of the world. I have met some incredibly inspiring people and I have inspired others to pick up the running mantle. I’ve shown myself and others what I am made of and my kids or growded ups (as I like to call them). are truly proud of me.
After the fiasco of trying to learn to drive and feeling such a failure – I needed this! My conclusion is that although my OCD means that some things are not possible, I am going to choose my battles carefully and as long as I give things a go and accept I cannot be perfect at everything I am going to do my damnedest to keep pushing forward, in the same way I encourage my clients.
So what’s next? As well as an autumn half marathon and next years Brighton marathon, I am slowly working my way through my bucket list.
It’s actually a list I came up with when I first did my coaching training back in May 2003. I recently looked it up and was surprised to see I have already achieved most things. Next on the agenda is a trip to Tuscany and so I am now busy learning Italian so that I can at least be polite and have some idea of what’s going on!
So on that note it’s Ciao from me and don’t forget ….
Stay Sassy
Lots of love
Jane xxx