The only negativity that we have is the negativity that we create.
Your body can stand almost anything, but it’s your mind that you have to convince. No athlete is truly tested until they’ve stared injury in the face and come out on the other side of it stronger.
A few weeks ago, I sustained my first ever concussion and couldn’t train or compete for two weeks. It was frustrating and disappointing. Life was giving me yet another obstacle that I would have to overcome. When I came back to training I felt weak. I felt like I had to work two times harder than everyone else to catch up with my training partners. But you can’t ever let frustration knock you down, or fear of losing get in your head. I had to learn to motivate myself every day. Having a hobby and a support system outside of your sport is also important to help take your mind away from the stress and frustrations.
Your biggest competition will always be yourself and when you finally succeed, the struggles will all be worth it.
You just have to ask yourself, how bad do you want it? And how much work are you willing to put in to get it?
Being a student-athlete in University can be overwhelming. Especially when you get injured, or things aren’t going the way you planned and you have exams and homework. I won’t lie sometimes I feel like giving up and leaving track behind. I have overcome many trials and tribulations in the last 10 years and I honestly wouldn’t change a single moment of it. The truth is, one day we will no longer be able to compete in the sports that we love. All of the long hours of training, waking up early, and dedication to sport will be over and you will only have the memories. We do not always know what time will be the last time.
At this age, nothing is certain. The time is now.
Shania Payne, Canadian Sprinter With York University.
Any individuals in sports and fitness who would like to share their voice, please submit to hank@hankfittraining.com