The Power of Support
My Pathway to a World Championship Slot
Endurance sports are hard; they require a great deal of preparation and commitment, not only with the intensity of the physical training itself, but also in conjunction with proper attention to nutrition and effective time management. The amount of time spent training and working toward your goals can feel overwhelming at times, and is made much easier and more bearable with the support of family, friends, and even strangers you meet on the course. (Who doesn't love a good "I made a friend with a stranger while racing!" moment?!) We all know that relationships serve as a fundamental structure of our lives, but during times of intense training, that reality can become increasingly important and valuable.
Internal motivation is key for success, but when you're surrounded and edified by people who believe in you more than you do, it provides an elevated level of confidence. You can feel their energy and power boost you up and carry you through tough times. Having people like this in your corner solidifies your capabilities and carries you through the hard efforts. When you feel lifted up by others who know and believe you can achieve your dream, your own self-doubts start to erode and are replaced with the positivity and encouragement they can provide.
The power of support not only comes from close friends and family, but also from people you meet along the journey in your training. Finding like-minded people to share stories with and learn from each other creates a bond, and you feed off each other's energy and empower one another when you're on the course on race day.
There was never a thought in my mind that I could earn a world championship slot until someone said I have a chance with my capabilities and determination. That planted the seed in my mind about achieving such a dream. At first I was nervous telling people and saying it out loud, but the encouragement and excitement from friends only strengthened my confidence. I knew my capabilities, and felt them boosted by my friends' belief in me, and I went into the race feeling the magic in my bones.
We have to identify and set our goals, and have the courage and dedication to push ourselves toward them; we're bolstered and encouraged, though, by the support and contagious enthusiasm of those who love us. Don't underestimate the power of your people to help you push through the challenging, grueling days of training. Lean on them when you need the support. Because really, at the end of it all, what are we doing if we're not building one another up, in sport and in life?
