My Dad is the king of sayings and catch-phrases, especially from commercials. Two of my favorite “Dad” sayings are:
No one ever drowned in sweat – although I did object to this once last summer during a 17-miler in 100 degree temps.
sweaty beast – summer 2011
Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you – god, do I love this one. Something as simple as scoring a great parking spot in a crowded mall during Christmas season (sometimes you get the bear) to having a fantastic training cycle and then a less-than-stellar performance on race day(sometimes the bear gets you).
A few of my other favorites:
What goes around comes around – sometimes the only way I can justify not hurting someone (kidding…kind of), is to repeat this to myself. Mean people get what is theirs eventually.
That which matters the most should never give way to that which matters the least – from the lululemon manifesto (which is full of wise sayings). Sometimes a reminder of perspective is needed.
Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to – also from the lululemon manifesto. We always want what we don’t have. I want Kara Goucher’s legs and speed and, on occasion, straight hair with cute side bangs but it’s not happening. The sooner you appreciate what you have, the better off you will be. I’m learning to appreciate my short, muscular legs for powering me through marathons and any small improvements in speed are celebrated. And my hair…well, 9 months out of the year curly hair is great to have.
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t – a great lesson for all things in life but I apply this to marathoning more than anything. A great training cycle and great race day weather mean nothing if you don’t believe you can do it. And when I say believe I mean that deep down in-your-gut feeling of “yes, I got this”.
Do what you love and success will follow – if I didn’t believe this I would probably be in the fetal position somewhere crying. I am doing what I love – coaching, albeit part-time – and I repeat this to myself often. Someday, someday…
Got a favorite saying to share?
