Powerful Mind

Flexing the muscle of my mind ends up being more effective than flexing any other muscle in my body when I am faced with a big physical challenge.  However, I tend to forget about that special muscle very easily and quickly.

For the last 4 years, every May, I have been participating in the Murph Challenge.  Here is the link that explains the history of the challenge: https://themurphchallenge.com/ .  In general, this is a big physical challenge that consists of a 1-mile run followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups, 300 squats and ending with another 1-mile run while wearing a 20lbs weight west.  As it sounds, it is VERY challenging.  Modifications are allowed so I generally ditch the weight west, instead, I do the challenge in 6700-feet elevation.  I also break the pull-ups, push-ups and squats into 10 sets.  Regardless of my modifications, the challenge is still big and very physical.

This year, I integrated an added stress into my challenge and decided to beat my time from last year.  I had completed the last year’s challenge in 35 minutes and 36 seconds.

As the Memorial Day weekend approached, I tried to find excuses in my mind to skip the whole workout.  Why do I need to do it anyway?  Wasn’t I tired from all the traveling across the country within the last 15 days? Shouldn’t I focus on spending time with my family?  Shouldn’t I get ready for my trip to Turkey instead? Even though my excuses were very convincing there was a part in me “wanting” to go through that challenge.  The weekend was filled with work in our cabin so as Monday approached, I had even more excuses for not doing it.  Then on Sunday night, my mind showed its power. I had a dream where I was going through each of my 10 sets.  I felt the tiredness in my arms, the sweat on my back and the heavy breathing.  When I woke up, even though I wanted to say “I did it”, I felt ready to tackle the challenge.  We started the morning with a 1-hour family hike up in the mountains and then I head over to the gym to face my challenge.  This year, I decided to do this at the gym so that I can measure my 1-mile run to the point - given that running is my LEAST favorite part of this challenge.  I won’t lie,  the last 1-mile was the WORST but it really helped to be on a treadmill and watching the distance go down.  I completed the challenge in 31 minutes and 37 seconds!  I ended up beating my time by 4 minutes.

Thinking through the challenge as opposed to dreading it, made me stronger when the time came to face the challenge.  Mind is a strong muscle that I need to remember to flex and to train.

Now, I challenge you to think about one of your dreaded physical activities.  Then walk yourself through each action you need to take to complete it.  And do it.  My high-five is up there waiting for you once you are done!

FAMILY hike prior to my murph challenge

my timier when my last run was over!