The mindfulness journey isn’t to a mountain top destination. Some will say there is a path, but trust me, there isn’t. You’ll wander a bit. Maybe get to take a training or go to a retreat. Your mind will likely say ‘you’re doing it wrong’ or ‘why bother.’

There is no wrong.

Take a slow deep breath. Notice the air filling up your lungs. Notice the sounds and smells around you. Come back to right here, right now, in the present moment.

What if in the next race or event you have, instead of focusing on XYZ time, you put your energy and focus into mastering the task. Mastering the race. Ask yourself what does that look like? What are you doing? What does training look like? What does that feel like. Can you bring in support and feedback? Can you be open to the pain of failing part of it? Can you be patient? Keep striving, and keep moving forward?

Create space outside of your sport. Find time to connect with friends that aren’t your ‘running friends.’ Find time to work on the other parts of yourself - for some that may be art, music, or spending time with your family. Even just a little investment will help you prevent that foreclosure on on your identity. It will help prevent burnout, help you recover, and help you when times get rough.