Today, we are linking up with Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word. You can be part of the action, by checking out her page and linking up, too!
The word of the week is…
The fitness world is an interesting place. Threaded through the workouts, training plans and competitions is a delicate balance of push and pull, give and take. We can learn so much, everyday, from the people around us, and we can also teach our friends and training partners.
In fitness, there is no one size fits all solution. There are outlines and plans, but every person is so different – what is effective for one can’t ever really be effective for all. This is why community is so vital to the success of sports like running – we have so much to teach each other.
For the last four years, my running years, I have kept my ears open. I have listened to those around me, my tribe of workout buddies, absorbing suggestions, recommendations and tips. Through them, I have honed my own skills and training, managed long run fueling, conquered calf cramps, and treated my plantar fasciitis. By being open to new things, I was led to the benefits of different kinds of cross training, discovered a love of stand up paddle board, and found a sense of adventure.
When I hire my running coaches for my annual goal race, I pay close attention to all the wisdom they have to teach me. They know me, my strengths and weaknesses, when I need to push, when I need to suck it up and when I need to give myself a break. They have experience and knowledge and it only benefits me to learn from them.
And even though I’m not elite or professional, there are tips and tricks that I can pass on to people in my circle. Whether it’s a new brand of gel that I found both palatable and gentle on the stomach, a pair of socks that that don’t budge during workouts, or a class I found particularly motivating, I have the ability to help out those around me. It’s pretty cool to be able to help build the community in a positive way.
What kind of things can you teach to those in your fitness tribe?
What can they teach you?
Yes running itself has taught me so much about myself-good and bad!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…The Teacher Becomes the Student
The bad has a place, though! It’s all about balance.
I have found that I’m constantly evolving, and (therefore) constantly learning in my fitness endeavors. Although it’s challenging to never know it all to perfection, it keeps us humble (hence, my most recent 13.1 LOL).
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…2016 Park to Park Half Marathon recap
Running and fitness has definitely been a two way street! So many great people and so much information. I love it! You never know who you will run into and what info they will share that may change your whole week!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…The StepBet Stats! My Adventure!
I can teach my tribe that fitness has ups and downs and to keep going. The teach me that they are watching and inspired. Great post.
I’ve learned so much about running from my non-running coach. Working with her has been so liberating–my mind has been opened to alternative ways of training. It’s been fun to share that journey on my blog and really rewarding to see my friends try some of these things!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks
I’ve learned so much about myself as a person through running, especially my ability to challenge myself.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…My Goals for Sunday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
Running has taught me so much over the years. It has especially taught me about follow through and my mental strength.
Toni recently posted…TCS New York City Marathon Training Recap Weeks 9-10
I love your take on this week’s Wednesday Word, and about teaching to our tribe. It’s so true, there’s always someone we can share our experiences with and teach.
Thanks for linking up!