What an intimidating word…potential. We are inundated with marketing messages encouraging us to ‘reach our potential.’ ‘Be everything you ever wanted and achieve your potential.’ What is our potential? What is your potential? Is there a right answer to that question? Will we ever truly know?
I am always amazed at what I am capable of…once I try. One of my good friends (who now lives in Hotlanta, GA.) would run with me frequently in the past and always bring out the ‘best’ potential in me. Before I started running with JW, I never realized how hard I could push myself and still live. For example, I ran a race early spring of 2012 at an 8:15 average pace…prior to that finish line I was always intimidated by an 8:15 pace. However once I gave it the ‘ol’college try’, it happened. Now I am scared to death of running 10 miles at a 7:15 pace. But I’ve never tried…hmmm…so will I ever know my true potential?
Throughout my running career, and more importantly, I am amazed at other’s potential. I have been blessed with legs to run and in turn, pass on that ‘gift’ to other people who never thought they had the potential to be a runner. Just last evening I received a message from someone training for their first half-marathon. He started training a couple of months back and during his 4 miler last night his splits were 9:43; 9:49; 11:20; and 10:33 respectably. He also realized his new potential last night. It is absolutely awesome to watch someone go from nothing to something and realized the potential they hold.
The next time you feel like giving up, regardless of the activity, hang on for another mile, or another 10 minutes, another 10 seconds and you will be amazed at your new-found potential!
Cheers!
Drew26.2
Drew26.2 