Owning the Story

Here’s the deal: when we own our story, we write the ending.

When we’re self-aware, open and accepting of ourselves, our own true, unique self, when we hold ourselves kindly and compassionately, and when we move towards a growth mindset, we gain power. We can do more of what matters.

Owning the story is acknowledging the truth of the experiences. It’s taking authorship instead of playing the victim. It’s letting go of shame through self-compassion. It’s living aligned with your values and strengths.

It ain’t been easy. But the more I come to ‘owning the story’ the more control I have of this story, and likely you will too.

A couple weeks back I entered a phase of training focusing on power intervals on the bike. These short three- to four-minute-high intensity efforts are designed to boost maximal aerobic power. I’ll also get a neuromuscular stimulus. These can be rough. My coach wants me do peak and fade in other words I shouldn’t pace them. Go all out and hang on. That way you get the best bang for your buck and you’re in the zone as fast and as long as possible. I don’t recommend them for inexperienced athletes as learning to pace is priority and without prior training it could be a great way to get injured. (Don’t do these at home unless your coach recommends them, or you’re very experienced, seriously.)

The mental tool I’ve been using to get through these is acceptance of discomfort.  Opening up to thoughts, feelings, sensations and emotions. All of it. When you do a hard effort, your mind is going to tell you to stop and slow down. Your minds job is to protect you, “pain no good, stop.” That goes for emotional pain too. However, when we open to discomfort, we’re able to put more energy and focus into the process.

You trained hard. You tapered right. You visualized the race. And then... it didn’t go as planned. Things go sour. Maybe your legs felt dead, maybe the conditions were brutal, or maybe your mind wasn’t in the game. Whatever the reason, you crossed the finish line feeling disappointed, and that frustration lights a fire in you.