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.

My race season ended almost a month ago with the Leadville 100 and like many other runners I found myself asking, "Now what?" After months of training, racing, and intense focus on goals, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions – relief, pride, and sometimes even a sense of loss, let down and sadness. The end of a race season can impact your mental health in ways you might not expect. Here’s several ideas on how to navigate this transition and take care of your mental well-being when your racing comes to an end.

What’s a story you tell yourself over and over that’s just not true?

The first one I can think of is that “I’m not an athlete.” Then I look through my life and see, football, baseball, wrestling, rock-climbing, mountaineering, alpine skiing, telemark skiing, ski-touring, track, marathon, ultramarathons, road races, oh, and almost forgot the years of Karate and Judo.