I'll let you in on a little secret: I used to be the world's most seasoned couch potato. The thought of running, especially in an event like the Great North Run, used to make me tremble in my cushioned trainers.
However, with a nifty bit of innovation and a rejigged mindset, I turned my anxious energy into a triumphant success story.
The Great North Run is no small feat; we’re talking about the world’s largest half marathon, a whopping 13.1 miles, people! From Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields, this race embodies spirit, grit, and a community vibe like no other. However, for an apprehensive beginner like I was, that distance felt more like a trip to the moon than a jaunt across Tyne & Wear.
The challenge wasn’t just the distance, but the mindset that had me anchored. My belief system, wrought with negative self-talk, needed an innovation intervention.
I realised the first step was to tackle my negativity with a new approach, using innovation as my primary tool. No more doomscrolling on my fitness apps or obsessively measuring my progress. Instead, I decided to create a ‘mindset map’ – a way of laying out and reframing my negative thoughts into something positive and constructive. “I can’t run 13.1 miles!” became “I will focus on running one mile at a time.”
Then came the ‘Mind-Body Connect’, a strategy I devised to ensure my physical training complemented my newly minted positive mental attitude. As I worked on building my physical endurance, I used this time to flood my mind with encouraging mantras. I was no longer ‘huffing and puffing’ around the park; instead, I was ’embracing the thrill of the run’ and ‘loving each stride forward’. Trust me, your brain is a brilliant ally when you teach it to cheer you on!
In this journey, I didn’t ignore the Great North Run’s community spirit either. I began to tap into it as a source of inspiration and positivity. I engaged with seasoned runners, soaking up their positivity, resilience, and nuggets of wisdom.
Finally, I made a conscious effort to enjoy the journey rather than obsess over the finish line. The moments of training in the beautiful North East landscapes, the cheering crowd on the race day, the camaraderie among runners, I savoured it all.
And guess what? On the day of the Great North Run, I ran the 13.1 miles with more vigour, passion, and happiness than I ever thought I could. I didn’t just cross the finish line, but I did so with a radiant smile, an exuberant spirit, and a profound sense of achievement. The fears that once dominated my mind were replaced by a newfound appreciation for resilience, innovation, and the power of a positive mindset.
The real triumph, you ask? It wasn’t just about completing the run; it was about the transformation, the positivity, and the resilience that I uncovered within myself.
So, here’s a friendly nudge from someone who’s been there, done that: you’re more capable than you know! All you need is to innovate your mindset and sprinkle a dash of positivity in there. Because whether it’s the Great North Run or any other marathon of life, with the right attitude, you’re already a winner!
So don’t let the patter impact your matter! Cannot wait to do the run again this year in aid of Pathways4All.
Ammar Mirza CBE is Chair & Founder of Asian Business Connexions, Chair of the NELEP Business Growth Board, Honorary Colonel of 101 Regiment RA and holds various positions across the public and private sectors.