Arming Myself

Custom Bracelet: Erica Sara Designs
Photo license: © All rights reserved

“Before you begin a thing remind yourself that difficulties and delays quite impossible to foresee are ahead…You can only see one thing clearly, and that is your goal. Form a mental vision of that and cling to it through thick and thin.”

 Kathleen Norris

~

Form a mental vision of your goal and cling to it. It’s advice I’m trying to embody by actively visualizing amidst marathon training. Empowering imagery’s cultivating in my mind. Still, I want another motivational weapon. This would be something physical, a concrete representation of my big goal. Its presence is a reminder. To achieve, I need to pull through the depths of challenging workouts and push. Don’t give in; don’t give up; just keep going.

One afternoon I mentioned this idea to a dear friend, Erica. She’s the muscle and creative brains behind Erica Sara Designs. What I envisioned was a bracelet. Something delicate and beautiful to remain on my wrist until I earn my Boston Marathon qualifying time. Being a magnificently supportive force, Erica immediately had ideas. We talked about wording, font, and color. Not long after, the bracelet was ready. The result: it’s pictured above.

This thin navy and silver bracelet sits comfortably. It’s hardly noticeable to wear, but it’s attention-grabbing. The charm is engraved with my key word mantra, “Boston Bound.” This message will not leave my body until I’ve run my sub-3:40 marathon. When will that be? Best case, the bracelet and I may part ways after the New York City Marathon in November. Or, it could remain with me longer.

The journey to Boston will inevitably contain workouts that make me question my ability. My mind may seek its happy place. Or, I may wind up thinking, “Why exactly am I doing this?” In those muddled moments, a small silver mantra will spark the reminder. The answer: because I am strong and I’m Boston bound. I can see it now.

LV Runs NYC