I have loved that quote longer than I knew there was a lululemon 
Lauren moderated FitBlog Chats this week, and her topic was overcoming fear. One of her questions was:
What fear(s) have you had to overcome in the past year? What helped you?
I used to be a runner – doing races from 5 to 18k, and running every day. I frequently ran barefoot, and I had a great breathing rhythm I could easily get into, feeling like I could run forever!
I often experienced a runners high, and running was a great outlet for me – stress relieving, energizing and fun.
A couple of big injuries kept me from running for a few years,
and I slowly started running again last summer. I was slow, with a combination of running / walking, and I have done a couple versions of the Couch to 5k program.
This was scary for me – I had visions (sometimes still do!) of my ankle turning and breaking as I ran… that is a very (negative) powerful thing!
I persisted, and what helped me through it was (literally) running after that high! Getting to the comfortable pace and the breathing rhythm that I just get lost in (and sometimes implement my ocd counting pattern…). 
Another thing that got me through? I didn’t want to fear injury anymore. If it happens, theres that, but if it doesn’t? I run.
There are still days where I have pain that makes me slow to a walk. I have more days where I do get to that place – my place – and I run. and run. and run.
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE this mantra – Dorry just blogged about it too and I told her the very same thing!
If I knew I could not fail? I’d switch careers entirely and focus on something fitness related, maybe personal training, maybe opening a gym with my husband, who knows. Or maybe finding a way to marry my PR/social media background with fitness, yeah that would work, too
it’s fun when something like fitblog or another “event” will spark blog posts popping up everywhere! your goals sound really good – and DOABLE !
ditto! loved dorry’s post! and Kristina, I love that you are getting back into running. Passion overcomes FEAR anyday!
thanks, Lindsay… so true. the day I get that runners high again? I’ll be SQUEALING with joy!!
Love this post — it is motivating and inspiring to do what I want to do and what I am passionate about!
If I knew I could not fail — I’d quit my job and search for what really would make me happy and feel accomplished. I’ve never felt that way about a job before and I’d love to explore that.
thanks, Holly! (I love your new name, by the way!!)
you should start that journey now – even if you don’t quit your job – look at your hobbies and things you like to do, read books about this subject (there are many books about finding your passion!)
have a great week!
A few days ago I saw that quote (I think it’s by Eleanor Roosevelt?) about doing something every day that scares you. It really stuck with me and then the fitblog chat was the same line of thinking. Clearly the universe is telling me to face my fears!
yes – it was Eleanor Roosevelt!
hmm… listen to that universe, Lisa!!
Thanks for sharing your fear. Fear is a crazy thing!
I think I would write a young adult novel if I knew it couldn’t fail!
yes fear is crazy – usually irrational, right? when you think about it clearly later… you should write, Lisa!!
I overcame a pretty big one – my first half. If I could do one thing and not fail it’d be starting my own business. Hands down.
yes, you ROCKED that half!! seriously amazing time for your first one! ooh, what kind of business?
That time will probably stand as my PR! Beginner’s luck
As for business – I would love it if the doggy treat thing took off, or even supplemented income. I would really love to have a home decor store with refurbished furniture, decor, that sort of thing. Not necessarily stuffy antique though.
Love.
thanks, Jen!!
Every time I prepare to run, swim, or bike… I tell myself the following:
I am good enough. I can do this. I will feel good when I do this. I am a goddess. I have it in me. My body is ready for this. I am strong. I love me. I believe in me. GO!
I’m amazed at the progress I’ve seen in my training since I started doing this about a month ago.
I can totally relate when you say you feared your injury. It is SO scary when you think “this next step is going to send pain through my body”. But once you remove yourself from that, it’s beautiful! Great post today
thanks, Leanne!
what an amazing mantra to give yourself – and very powerful! I will have to try this <3
The fear of failure has held me back from many things. I was offered a recording contract 10 years ago and I turned it down due to the fear of failure. My life always seems to “start” 5, 10, 20 lbs from where I am at any given moment. “If I could just lose x lbs I would be able to ___” Fill in the blank. I am now learning how to step out of my comfort zone and LIVE! I was just accepted into the choir at our church (a huge honor). I am learning (slowly) to love who God made me to be, and my self worth isn’t contingent on what the scale tells me. It is a long scary road but freeing all the same. Praise God!
ah, Sarah, I love you!! I am so happy you are part of the choir now (even more of a reason for me to attend!!) although now I’m intimidated to have you over for karaoke!!
*totally kidding… we so need to do that soon! XXO!
I was so bummed to miss that chat! It sounds like it was an amazing one, and judging by how many great posts have been inspired by it, it must have really hit home!
Cute bag, even cuter Basil.
Good for you getting back out there and running despite the fear!
I know, everyone is posting about it! Lauren had great questions!!
Oh the things I’d do if I only had no fears.
I’d choreograph dance routines professionally, I’d write a book, I’d homeschool my kids, I’d go to law school. In no particular order!
Great topic (and tasty looking soup!)
I wouldn’t say this about very many people, but for some reason I have a feeling you would be GREAT at homeschooling!!
I would open a florist and decor shop… I have a great concept in mind.
ooh, that’s intriguing!
basil looks so cute!!!!!
aw, Thanks!
I’m so sorry to hear about your injuries! Must be soooooo hard when you can’t do anymore what you loved to do every day! But great you’re slowly starting again! I’ve never been a runner in my whole life, and I have quite a lot of unhappy memories entangled with running. During school, I just hated it! And I always was sooooo bad …
At the same time, I’d *love* to be a runner someday! I think the reason why I’ve always failed to get into running is because I tend to overdo it and then have so much pain in the days after that I was never able to establish a routine. By recommendation of a good friend (who is a runner), I’ve started again, very slowly this time, with no longer than 10 minutes runs. I’ll try to establish and keep up a regular running schedule when I’m back in Heidelberg (I have problems with the sea climate in northern Germany where I currently am, it makes me feel tired and sluggish all day). This is definitely scary for me!
I remember not really liking the running thing when I was in jr high. We would have to run the mile and a half – six laps around the track – and I started running it barefoot. I was fast (my track coach later called me FLASH!) and it was comfortable… I have been hooked ever since!
When are you back in Heidelberg? we can be virtual running partners!
I’ll be back next Thursday. I’d love to be your virtual running partner! I totally suck at it, but I want to do it!
okay – let’s do this!
I think it is revealing how many people are commenting they would change careers to do something they really love if they knew they could not fail. It’s no different for me. I would love to have a career in fitness but the thought of failing and letting down a family thatdepends on me is too frightening. Love your post and the idea of taking on what scares you. It only makes you stronger.
I know… that is what I loved about this post also… if only more people would do what they REALLY want to do! it does get more difficult as you add more responsibility to your life, no matter how much you want those things! since writing this, I have been trying to focus on smaller things each day that I can do that will make me stronger.
Last weekend I ran accross a bridge that had intimidated me ever since they built a pedestrian path for it. Now, if I survive the Half I signed up for in June, I may sign up an October Half that goes accross that bridge.
I LOVE this! you will Absolutely survive your June half, and you most definitely should run the October half across the bridge!!