The opening generalization....
If we use the same lens over and over, we get the same picture. Some people are quite happy and comfortable that way as change is inherently difficult for most people. And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if you want something different, you'll have to change the lens. The lens that will produce the desired result may be difficult to find. It will take hard work. It will require focus.
The application to running...
Maybe your desire is to be come a faster runner. Perhaps a new distance is what you seek. Could it be you like to travel and want to run in all 50 states? If you have a crystal clear vision, the achievement is easily in your sights. Unfortunately, we are so overloaded with constant information. THE NOISE. The Buzz. The Social Media. Some of that noise could include others with different perceptions. What other people do or say may cloud your focus. Keep your mind clear of this clutter. Only focus on yourself and your goal. It helps to envision the end result. Can you see yourself crossing the finish line? If not, makes adjustments. Sharpen your view.
My current focus...
After focusing on the half marathon distance for a number of years, running was starting to look a little blurry. I needed clarity. Should I try to keep doing a certain number of halves every year? No, I eventually decided. It was time for me to change the lens. I am now envisioning my upcoming marathon finishes. Running looks bright again. Will I stay at this distance? I don't know! That's the wonderful thing...we have the right and privilege of changing that lens anytime we see fit.
What is your current focus?
I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.
Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers. It's fun!
I'm refocusing on my goals. Last weekend's tough run made me take a step back. It's always good to have a reality check!
ReplyDeleteWe've got to be able to make adjustments and refocus. I'm afraid I've had a few too many reality checks this summer.
DeleteThis was just what I needed today. There may be some changes in my near future and I have to decide if it is something I want or not. Not sure if I am ready to change the lens yet.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you are going through, just remember you CAN always change the lens. You will know when it's time.
DeleteThat's good to refocus. I just did some self-reflection and have done the same. In my case, allowed myself permission to release the focus on a previously target "A" race in September. I may still do it, but I'm not going to feel so pressured to train for it like an A race.
ReplyDeleteI think it's good to let's things go if we aren't enjoying the journey that takes us there. They are always other races.
DeleteInteresting take on focus! You are so right changing the lens can change everything-thanks for pointing that out
ReplyDeleteI loved that quote when I ran (pun intended) across it. It you don't like something - change it. It sounds simple, but in reality is often very hard to do.
DeleteI love your take on this. Change the lens, yes! Sometimes it takes a different perspective to get a clearer picture of what you really want. I am focused on getting stronger and flexible, hopefully that will also help me pick up the pace.
ReplyDeleteI need to be focused on getting stronger. I always say I'm going to do that but then I don't follow through. Not enough focus, I guess.
DeleteAhhh I love this perspective on Focus. I also admit when I first clicked on your page and seeing only part of the first picture, I kept waiting and waiting for it to clear up and it didn't, then after scrolling down I was like you dummy it is SUPPOSED to be that way. Oh well leave it to me! :)
ReplyDeleteHA. I tried my best to find the worst picture. And then it didn't look so fuzzy after all, especially on small devices. At least I was able to mess with you!
DeleteYou are talking to a photographers heart here :)
ReplyDeleteAh, yes! And, you would not have taken that blurry photo either!
DeleteYou will turn a corner and feel better soon. I just know it. It's OK to take a step back, rest, and refocus. I think there are cycles in everything that we do. Don't beat yourself up.
ReplyDeleteI like your point of view on this and I was glad to figure out why that darn picture was so blurry! :) I started with a focus on just 5K's , I branched out this year, and I added yoga. Next phase more strength, waiting on OTF to open. It is always good to check the focus, nice post!
ReplyDeleteHA! I thought the blurriness would be really evident, but ended up not being near as much as I wanted. We don't have OTF yet. Even if we did, I'm pretty bad about going to classes.
DeleteI'm pretty danged focused on those 50 states. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to do that as well. It's a little hard right now. Hopefully, I'll still be running when I retire and get all the states. I've run a half in 7 states (I think). I get to add IL this year though.
DeleteLove this! It is so empowering to remind ourselves that we always have the power to change our own focuses as we deem best for ourselves!!! These days I am focused on strength-training and just trying to have as much fun as possible with my running. Woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteThose are both good things to be focused on! I think we become stuck in such a rut sometimes, we are waiting for change but forget we have the power to make it happen.
DeleteCongrats on your decision to change up your running focus to full marathons. I am excited for you! During this year, my focus has changed from racing all the time to not so much racing. It's been fun to still put in the same amount of miles but not so many races and also adding in more cross-training. Yep, changing focus is fun!!
ReplyDeleteI've backed off on my overall number of races this year too. I thought it would really bother me, but it hasn't. I don't feel like I've missed anything.
DeleteYou're so right: sometimes taking a step back does wonders for focus. I feel like I'm finally buckling down and taking Twin Cities Marathon training a bit more seriously. After that it's all fun and games with RocknRoll travel stuff.
ReplyDeleteI have got to do a RnR! I don't know why I haven't. Just timing I guess.
DeleteThis post really spoke to me. Just today I had a major realization about my running that really changed my perspective. I think that new perspective is going to really help me in my next race! I think you're right that changing focus and seeing things a little differently can be so beneficial!
ReplyDeleteWhen I ran across (pun intended) that quote, it really spoke to me. I hope you'll share your realization with us. I think you will do great in your next race! And, I know you are enjoying your training journey!
DeleteI hope you like your new lens and have a great full marathon! :) Honestly, I don't know what my focus is right now. I have a handful of races coming up but I don't really know that I have any goals for them. My next race will be with my little sister, and will be her first half, so I'm mainly focused on running with her.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I think that can be said about focus is that sometimes when you get too focused on something it can be hard to get some perspective. You have to take a step back to see the whole picture clearly.
How wonderful to be running with your sister for her first half! My sister is visiting next weekend and we'll be running a 7 mile virtual race. I've never done one of those. You are right about being too focused. You can't forget about the big picture.
DeleteWow, way to refocus! I am stuck on the half lens and I really like it here. I have done one marathon and am wondering if I am a one and done, I doubt it, but for now I am. Good luck with marathoning for sure!
ReplyDeleteThat's the great thing. If I don't enjoy the challenge of the marathon, I'll go back to the half. It's been my favorite distance so far. Maybe it will feel easier? That would be great.
DeleteI think it's great that you're changing your focus from halves to a full, and I'm happy that it's making running exciting again.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you interpreted our Wednesday Word - focus! Thanks for linking up!
As always, I appreciate the link and the weekly assignment.
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