Crossing the finish line on Sunday.
The thirteenth and final mile proved my quickest of my entire race, with a 6:07 minute mile.
The Smilinggg Mile has changed my life in every conceivable way. It helps me every single day. But on this occasion as I heard "Keep going! One final mile to go!" from a Marshall, I went inwards and put a different spin on this particular mile. The Smilinggg Final Mile.
I love to finish races as hard as I can. Pushing the revs, red lining and trying to hold the intensity for as long as possible.
What I love most about this is that unless you harness the mind, you'll burn out pretty fast. You need to push against something to spark that extra effort. The mind and body have to work together to propel you forward without letting up.
For me, this final mile meant I went to those difficult times in years gone by. The sad moments, the tough moments, the disappointments, the overcoming difficult past experiences. Visiting the Smilinggg Treasure Chest for the bits of gold that made this current challenge faced seem surmountable.
I'm privileged and fortunate that the obstacle faced on Sunday was simply to push against voluntary adversity and discomfort to finish strong and to show to myself that when the going gets tough, I can get going.
I like to think that these moments help build resilience and ones ability to tolerate and overcome other difficult moments in life; those involuntary moments we can never be truly prepared for. From personal experience since The Smilinggg Journey began, it definitely seems the case.
Sometimes it's great to reflect on the good in your life. Other times it's great to reflect on the difficult moments that you've managed to overcome.
Both serve a wonderful purpose.
Both are parts of The Smilinggg Way.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛