Thinking One Can

Have you ever stopped to think just how much setting a goal and training to reach it is like the story of the little engine that could? The big strong engines were afraid to tackle the mountain; it was the little engine that kept moving upward.

We all have an intimidating mountain looming between us and our goals. And the toughest part of conquering that mountain is often between our ears. We can log miles, foam roll, and wake up before dawn. But developing an “I think I can” attitude is often the biggest struggle.

Remember: competence builds confidence. Every day that we train, heed supplemental training, fuel our bodies correctly, and get enough sleep develops competence. We are building capability. And as we grow in our ability, we must remember that while our competence is a natural offspring of dedication, confidence is a choice. We can choose to look at all the work we've done as a solid foundation for success, or we can look for things to doubt, and therefore, sabotage all of our hard work.

Choose to be confident. Those dark, lonely mornings; those long, tiring runs; those killer workouts all separated the wheat from the chaff. You are transformed. You deserve to believe in your ability to tackle your goal.

It's often as simple as thinking you can. 

The Man Who Thinks He Can
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind. 

If you think you’re outclassed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.
(Walter Wintle)

Just like the little engine that could, keep putting one foot in front of the other and shoot for your mountaintop. All you need is a little of that "I think I can" attitude to get over the hump. Believe in yourself and enjoy the rewards. 

Good Luck and Happy Racing!
Coach Cary

Tim Cary is FLEET FEET's Assistant Training Manager, coach of the FLEET FEET-sponsored Runnababez Elite team, and manager of the FLEET FEET Racing Team.  Over his 20 years of coaching, Tim has coached athletes to three national team championships, five national individual championships, two national records, and numerous All-American and All-State honors.  Click here to receive Tim's weekly article via email.