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’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.

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.