Thoughts on Resistance and Forward Progress to Your Goals
Resistance Must Become Like Breathing
I ran along the path by the waters of Lake Champlain. It was early. Just sunrise. Crisp and cold. Other than a few people out walking their dogs I only saw one other runner. The quiet except for the sound of seagulls echoed with my thoughts. A runner training for a long distance race must become comfortable with the ramblings of the mind as the miles tick away for the hours can be many. On my run I happened up these words stenciled and spray painted on the walkway, “Resistance Must Become Like Breathing.” These words resonated with me. I’m guessing they were painted as a part of a resistance movement started in response to dissatisfaction with the current political climate. For me however it began my mind wandering through thoughts about the meaning of the word resistance, what it means when thinking about goals in our lives and what it has to do with running.
Definition of resistance.
Resistance can have both positive and negative connotations. I am someone who has a hard time dealing with change. I am very resistant to changing things in my life even when what is happening may not be the most positive. I resist even when letting go may bring more happiness. But resistance can also bring you great success and to places that you thought you might never end up. When we resist in the face of fear and don’t let it to control us we end up stronger.
“No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent.”-Eleanor Roosevelt
Training to meet a goal will have high points and low points. One of the challenges training for a marathon happens as the training load builds. As the miles get longer, the physical and mental demands on your body grow. The voice of negativity during this period in training can damage your drive and desire to reach your end goal. However you must resist and find inner strength to continue forward. In order to keep yourself on track keep a training log, have an accountability partner or coach who you can check-in who will help you to move further forward. Also, there may be people alone the way who don’t believe in you and your goals. Allowing this negativity to permeate your self-worth and to block you on the path to your goals is damaging. In the face of this type of attitude you must form a one person resistance-state your goals, believe in yourself and don’t give weight to the words of those who try to bring you down.
Running towards my goals.
I need to work harder on letting go in the face of change but to resist and stand up when it counts!
Positive resistance when applied to goals can bring a positive outcome! What do you think about resistance as it applies to goals?
14 responses
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I agree with you that positive resistance can be a good thing. I think that when you are totally anti-change you can set yourself up to miss out on reaching that goal, or new opportunities.
Kimberly G recently posted…5 Recipes to Try from ‘Run Fast, East Slow’
What a lovely post! I’m saving this quote in my little quote journal. Thank you!
I’ve never really thought about it this way how interesting
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Spring Clean Your Running Routine with Reebok
I have learned to be very open-minded when it comes to running. Although I know my own body (and its needs) better than anyone else, I have learned it’s great to try new things in my training. If the new things don’t work, I can move on…if they DO work, though, it’s great.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Wintrust Lakefront 10 Mile Recap
I hear you. Right now, I am trying to find the resistance still in me. I know that it is there, just like it was during the depths of marathon training. I know it is
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Recovery Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins
Love this. I think similar thoughts when I’m out running. “Charge into the wind” is a metaphor I use when there are obstacles in my way. Achieving goals definitely requires some digging in.
Marcia recently posted…Why I’m Running with a Heart Rate Monitor
This is a great post and I love the way you have applied “resistance” to training and races. Now that I think of it, I have used it in positive ways…resisting the desire to quit!
Interesting concept, especially for me as I’m battling this damn RA. My body resists training but I just push back. Clearly, I’m stronger (mentally) than I ever thought. I’m going to need this strength as I approach marathon training.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Runfessions: March
This is a great post. I’ve never really thought about resistance like that but I will going forward!
Rachel recently posted…5 Fueling Strategies for Distance Runners
I have had some problems with resisting negative feelings, especially when it comes to running. I love that quote from Eleanor Roosevelt!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Goals for the Love Run Half Marathon
Great post. Interesting way of thinking about resistance.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Marine Corps 17.75 2017 Race Recap
Thanks for the motivation. I know that I will have to dig deep as I train for my first marathon. While I’m doing my best to mentally and physically prepare now, I also know that I have no idea what truly lies ahead of me.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Loudoun Half Marathon Training Log – Week 2
It’s really hard moving on when people don’t believe in our goals.I felt unconfident sometimes actually. Just like I wouldn’t accomplish my target. However, I managed to do it, like what you are saying, we must resist and find inner strength to continue forward. Resistance is positive in this way.
kareen recently posted…Top 10 Best Car Vacuum 2017 Reviewed
Interesting post! Attitude is everything and a positive one can help us push thru any resistance to see a positive outcome 🙂
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…New Orleans bound- Weekly Wrap