A friend of mine is considering his first triathlon this year. His primary goal is to accomplish a Half Ironman: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, 13.1 mile run.
To dip his toes into the experience, he has signed up for a smaller one this coming May. It’s approximately 25% of the total distance he would have to do in July. He referred to this smaller race as a “baby triathlon.”
That phrasing really stuck with me, as I catch a lot of people saying similar things about themselves and their accomplishments.
“I lifted a little bit.”
“I ran a 5K, but it wasn’t really that fast.”
“I own a little business.”
People are so quick to make what are really big accomplishments in their lives so small.
It’s not about how much you lifted relative to someone else. If it’s the most you have ever done, then absolutely be proud! For many, having the confidence to step into the gym to do something completely new to them is a huge accomplishment!
A slower 5K and a faster 5K both equal having accomplished a 5K. It still represents having gotten up off the couch to pursue something meaningful to yourself when it would have been easier to sit back and do nothing. For some, it can also be the beginning of a lifestyle change where one transitions from a less active lifestyle to one where healthier habits become more commonplace. I know some wonderful people whose life and health turned around because they decided to work towards a 5K.
For a non-health or fitness example, the “little business” is not little. For many entrepreneurs, it represents a passion that they have and a work that is super meaningful to them.
In reference to the “baby triathlon,” I encouraged him with “each race, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to practice and learn for the ‘big day.'” Every race I did in preparation for my final full Ironman, no matter how small, taught me something valuable that helped me ultimately have a super successful race.
My encouragement for you…be proud of the small things.
Accumulating the small things adds up to the big things.
Eating just that one fruit or vegetable or that one healthy meal is one small step towards an overall healthier lifestyle.
The small action of stepping inside the gym for the first time, or just heading out for a walk, is one small step towards a healthier you.
Signing up for that small local race is actually a huge step for someone who may have never pursued any athletic endeavor previously.
Stack those wins.
The greatest accomplishments happen as a result of small actions repeated over and over.
People who do the little things, over and over often go further than the person who did a big thing once ; )
Be proud of the little things : )
Your friend in wellness and fitness,
Coach Candice