Second Wind

A few weeks ago I started running for the first time in my life, first very privately, and slowly having the courage to tell others what I’m doing.  This month I shared a little of my progress on Facebook and in my newsletter.  Sharing seems to help me commit to the process and it does feel good to receive encouragement from others.

Today, when my (Couch25K) program said I was to run for 20 minutes without stopping, I immediately thought something was wrong with the app.  I’m used to troubleshooting technology issues, of course!  After all, the longest interval I’ve done so far is 8 minutes. Why would they think I’m ready for 20 minutes?  After determining that the app was indeed correct, I reluctantly tied my running shoes (funny, I used to just called them shoes) and started the timer.

As I passed the 8 minute mark I began to get a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to complete the run.  I started thinking about how self-doubt is such a destructive emotion, particularly for small business owners who often work (and think) alone.  It can prevent us from taking on new challenges, learning new ways to be better at our business, even stop us from taking our business to the next level.  I began to push the self-doubt away and concentrated on relaxing my leg muscles and focused on my breathing while looking at the squirrels running across the road.

When I checked my timer again I had passed the 12 minute mark and actually felt really good.  I smiled as I thought, “I think I’ve gotten my second wind.”  Although I’ve used the phrase before, often after overcoming writer’s block or having plowed through a tedious project, I’d never really known what it felt like.  It is thought that “getting your second wind” may be the result endorphins being released, or by the body finding balance.  Whatever the reason, it felt good and made me want to reach my next goal.

---