The mind is our greatest limitation.

I started running competitively when I was in primary school. I had focused on the 100m, 200m and 400m. In secondary school, I switched over to 800m, 1500m, 5000m and cross country as my small skinny frame could not compete with the bigger stronger boys in the sprints. I ran competitively throughout my teens but stopped in my 20s and 30s due to injury. I was determined to run again and researched on improving my running form, changed my running shoes, and found ways to run again despite my injuries. Soon I was able to extend my distance from 5km, to 10km, and eventually completing my first half marathon. Several years ago, a training buddy encouraged me to sign up for my first marathon, which I did. I remember being in so much pain in the last 10km, wondering why I had paid money to suffer and promised myself that this was the last time I would ever do this. The following year, I signed up for my second Standard Chartered Marathon. :) I remember telling myself that a marathon was the maximum distance that I could ever do. By doing so, I was already limiting myself and preventing myself from going further.

A few months ago, I was introduced to ultra running. The shortest ultra distance would be a 50km run. I signed up with lots of apprehension, and was finding ways to back out even days before the run. I ran my first ultra alone, starting from Pandan Reservoir at 5am, headed to Mac-Ritchie Reservoir, and ending the run at Bedok Reservoir. It took me slightly less than 6 hours. Because I had completed marathons before this, my first 42km felt ok. Once again, the last 10km was a struggle and a mental fight. I realised that the hardest part and the most painful segment of any run would be from your last longest distance to the end of the new distance. And in this case, because I had completed two marathons prior, the most difficult part was then 42km to 50km. It is amazing how our mental barriers are able to shift. Once you have completed and achieved a distance, it no longer becomes a barrier. Our physical body is then able to align itself to the new mental barrier. Our biggest limitation is therefore our mind. We cannot because we tell ourselves we cannot. Imagine what we can do if we tell ourselves we can!

I remember ending the 50km run telling myself that I would never do this again. Sounds familiar? I think you can guess what happened next. :) Not long after, I signed up for my first 100km ultra. Conditions were awful during the run! It rained heavily throughout most of the run. It was cold, wet and miserable. My shoes and socks were soaked, leading to terrible blisters which added to the pain, discomfort and suffering. At many points during the run, I wanted to just give up and grab a taxi home. This time, I was running with another ultra buddy and did not want to let him down or have him run the rest of the distance on his own. In addition, we had supporters coming out in the middle of the night at different points along the route to provide us with supplies of water and food. I could not let them down too. So after 16 hours and 50 mins of pain and suffering, I completed my first 100km ultra, telling myself that this was the last time I'm ever going to do this. :) A new mental barrier has been broken. A new limit has been set. I'm sure if I were ever crazy enough to try this again, it would feel a lot easier and less painful. Maybe not. :)

Had I ran the 100k alone, I think I would have given up half way. Without the support crew, I would not have completed the distance. Similarly, even as we go through life, having friends and support groups could help you achieve more than you think you can if you went through it alone. I'm thankful for my band of brothers who have encouraged me along be it for sports or work. If you do not have a support team today, create one. It makes going through life a little easier.

What is your mental barrier today? What are you telling yourself you cannot do? I suspect that you can achieve much more than you think you can. Take the first step. Do it despite the fear. You will be amazed how much more you can achieve. It is time to break those mental barriers.