Navigating trust as a runner

I am fear

It’s a daily practice to not be in fear of your body. Whether that be from a spectacular stack on the trails to a more long-term injury that requires rehab and building up of strength and consistent movement again. The underlying feeling of something that is out of the ordinary, something that shocks you can play a massive role in you developing confidence when running.

Fear after an “event” that ripples throughout the body can be debilitating; it makes you question and become somewhat afraid to get back to running after the initial shock followed by the healing period. The fear of what happened can stop you in your tracks; from lacing up your running shoes, even getting out the front door, the thought of hitting the trails (and this can be literally) becomes a massive roadblock for fear that you will hurt yourself and must start the process of recovery (mentally and physically) all over again is all consuming.

You strive to find consistency, improvement and continued massaging of the love to push your body to its limits; mentally and physically the benefits are substantial. The body movement, the freedom and expansiveness of the natural world around you; this is your brave new world; this is what breaks the monotonous of work, paying bills and laundry.

You want to dance with discomfort, play outside, be wild but fear and injury can leave you terrified because you feel like you can’t trust your body.

Tell me, where has the love gone?

You must face fear head-on and make it your ally, working with it rather than against it. Confronting fear requires effort and can challenge everything you know and trust—how do you make friends with something that often feels like an enemy?

Not all fear is bad, but the kind that alters your actions needs to be befriended. Using the tools below can help you turn this enemy into a friend.

Mantras

Do you believe in the power of mindset and the mind body connection? Mantras help you see the light once you start going down the dark hole caused by fear. Not all fear is dark but when fear is driven by lack of trust, it can bring you down the dark hole and this is where the light of a manta can help.

“I am strong. I am confident. I trust my body and I trust the terrain I am running on.”

Mantras immediately anchor you. They allow you to focus on the present and stop stories being created in your head of what could happen. Mantras help you become consciously aware of the present moment.

Visualisation

The mind is a powerful tool. Focusing on the positives instead of the negatives can be extremely beneficial. It’s all too easy for the mind to gravitate toward worst-case scenarios and escalate situations before they even occur.

Before a run or a race, focus your mind not only on the outcome or the terrain but also on the wave of feelings and emotions you will experience. Understand the intensity of these feelings and emotions, and work with them by acknowledging and accepting them. While you can’t control everything, you can prepare your mind and body for what you are likely to encounter during the session ahead.

Befriend accountability

Make a commitment to hold yourself accountable; if you feel like you can’t do this alone, ask a friend to train with you and set mini goals with the help of your training plan and/or coach. Moving through fear and rehab can sometimes make you feel alone and isolated but remember that someone is always looking out for you. Use that support to your advantage and grow with the encouragement around you.

Offer yourself kindness

Be gentle with yourself; trust in your consistency and the process of showing up to your training sessions each day. Be kind and conduct a body scan to identify areas where you feel both pleasant and unpleasant sensations, or even no sensations at all. Listen to your body, thank your body, and proceed gently (and slowly if necessary). Remember, you are building a machine, and you have time.

Final word

When you push your body to its limits, some outcomes are inevitable. Every worthwhile endeavour carries certain risks. The perception of these risks is as mild or intense as you make them.

I hope the above helps shift the narrative around fear. Instead of focusing on “I am fearful,” focus on “I am fearless.”

Planted Life Coaching

If you need support and accountability to cultivate a fearless running mindset, coaching spots are now available. Email me to learn how my coaching services can enhance your running journey.