You Deserve Your Athletic Yes

You’ve Been Told No More Times Than Most

I know what it’s like to be told No more times than you’ve been told Yes. I read somewhere that those of us BIPOC women over 30 who have ‘imposter syndrome’ are really dealing with the reality of being in spaces that we were told weren’t for us. I felt that deep in my core. And yes, I acknowledge that many times it wasn’t an outright ‘NO!’ Sometimes they tried to be nice and protect us. 

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” 

“Are you sure you want to apply for that?” 

“Are you sure those are the type of people who you want to hang out with?” 

“Are you sure you’re good enough for that?”

Learning to Say Yes to Yourself Again

As a Coach and an Athlete, I joined the Everyday Athlete Clubhouse to have a voice and role in telling more people “YES!”  If you’re like me, you’ve collected evidence of your strength, knowledge and determination for decades but somehow the doubts of others are still stronger than the voices of reassurance. So let’s try it this way.

“Can I sign up for this race if I can only walk?” Yes!

“Can I use run/walk intervals for a race?” Yes!

“Can I call myself an athlete if I haven’t completed a race over x distance?” Emphatically yes!

“Can I start running if my budget won’t allow for $200 shoes?” Yes!

“Can I start a run club and surround myself with other runners who support my paces?” Yes!

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Redefining What Makes an Athlete in Endurance Sports

Who got to decide that you were only a serious athlete, or coach for that matter, after you’ve completed a Half Marathon or Marathon? Who got to decide that John with the 7:30 mile PR is the only one who gets to celebrate his races and running journey? 

The answer is NO ONE. You get to determine the labels you accept and adopt. You get to decide which doors you walk through, which events you attend. And people like me are working to make sure you feel seen, accepted and appreciated in those spaces.

I actively worked to grow the circle of supporters around me. I attract supporters and move away from gatekeepers but I’m still growing everyday. I work actively to make sure that I’m aware of my blind spots. I’ve been looked down upon so much that I’ve allowed it to keep me away from some amazing humans, and I admit it.

I truly want to have a role in making sure that every athlete feels supported, seen and celebrated in the spaces I occupy. Yet, because I am a back-of-the-pack runner, that is primarily where my focus is and I forget that there may be some amazing people at the front-of-the-pack. When I’ve given them the opportunity to talk to me, share their stories and see me, they’ve opened my eyes to my own bias. Just as I implore others not to judge me by their preconceived notions, I work hard not to judge others. Together, we can grow communities of support for every athlete.

Slowing Down to See More—and Become More

Lastly, I’m reminded of one of the best group shirts I saw at Every Woman’s Marathon. “Speed is a Number. Fast is a feeling.” I loved this because I’m regularly reminding athletes that there’s no such thing as a slower runner. My watch has numbers. It doesn’t gauge fast and slow. Neither does yours. You have days that you’re running above your average and days that you’re running below your average, but if you’re moving, you’re moving! Celebrate it! Side note: as a coach, I spend more time teaching people to slow down anyway. When you slow down, give your body and heart the opportunity to grow, you’re also giving yourself the opportunity to see new things. Do you know how many athletes I know who have admitted to seeing things they never saw before when they finally slowed down on a path they’ve run for years?

Today Is Your Day One: Claim Your Yes

Who are you missing out on getting to know because you keep telling yourself no? What opportunities are you missing out because you’ve believed the no’s? What goals have you pushed aside because you didn’t realize how worthy you were? Today is your DAY ONE. I’m telling you yes! Yes, you can pursue that goal and yes, you can run there. You want participate in that event? Yes, you can.

Yes, you deserve everything you desire to work for. Let’s get it!

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