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?

I absolutely love running. It has brought so much joy to my life and has taken me in a direction I had never imagined. It certainly has been therapeutic. But running, is not my therapy.

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.