Mind Over Matter

I've come to the realization that the brain is one of the most amazing organs in our bodies.  It is such a vital part of our bodies and sometimes I take it for granted.  Other times I use it for what it was intended to be for.  It's supposed to be where I store a lot of information - and as I'm getting older I'm noticing that some of that information has gone incognito or simply disappearing.  Is it still there somewhere hiding in my brain or does it automatically choose which information I should retain and which information I should discard? 

Another aspect of my brain is my mind....and sometimes I really do believe I'm losing it.  The logistics within my mind seem to always take over from what I intend to do.  

What am I referring to?  My workouts.  My runs.

This past month I've been running more often in preparation for the half marathon that is coming up in a few short weeks.....three to be exact.  I've been able to run 1, 2, and sometimes 3 miles straight without stopping for a few months now.  However, I haven't been able to go longer.  My 'mind' tells me I'm tired and I need to rest.  So I always eventually decide to stop and walk.

This past weekend I told myself I'm not going to stop.  I have been working out regularly for months now and as a result have become stronger than I've ever been.  I can do this.  I can run 4 miles - without stopping.  And this time when I got to 3 miles I told myself .... "Robin you're doing great.  You've got this... just keep going.  You can make it to 4 miles.  You've got people supporting you.  You CAN DO THIS!"  And that is exactly what I did.  I ran 4 miles without stopping. 

It is all about Mind Over Matter.  What exactly does that mean?  Well after going to Google and looking up that phrase I discovered that "self-help" personalities such a Tony Robbins claim that, through the power of concentration and "positive thinking", people can walk on hot coals without getting burned.  

So I'm not exactly walking on hot coals, but I'd have to agree that through the power of concentration and positive thinking ("YOU CAN DO THIS") I not only will be able to run 4 miles once, but I'll be able to do it again and again.  This is going to be a great week and I look forward to my next long run so I can prove it to myself that it's all in my mind and I CAN DO IT!