Be Kind to Yourself
that’s runnable
The 29th Edition of your favourite Running Newsletter
Welcome back to your weekly dose of run chat.
In a world that’s always go go go, showing yourself a little kindness can really change the game. So, I thought this would be a nice topic for this week.
Something to Think About 💭
Ever notice how we’re often our own toughest critics? I certainly am. Maybe it’s time to flip the script and give ourselves a break.
Something to Ask Yourself ❓
When was the last time you treated yourself with the same kindness and understanding you offer to a friend?
Article of the Week 📄
This week’s article emphasises the importance of self-compassion for athletes, arguing that harsh self-criticism harms well-being and performance. Instead, treating oneself with kindness fosters motivation and resilience, creating a healthier relationship with sport and improving results.
A good read for you as you wind down for the New Year.
Track of the Week 🎶
A chilled one for you this week from one of my favourite bands.
This week’s Track of the Week, from the album Trouble Will Find Me is:
I Need My Girl by The National (2013)
Personal Lesson
This year, I discovered that being compassionate to myself isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity for long-term success and well-being. I used to push myself relentlessly, thinking that the harder I worked, the more I would achieve. But that mindset only led to burnout and frustration. By learning to be kind to myself, I feel like I’ve realised that taking breaks and allowing myself to rest wasn’t a sign of weakness but a strategy for longevity. It was a revelation to understand that self-compassion could actually fuel my motivation, making me more resilient and better equipped to face challenges.
I’ve found that when I treat myself with the same kindness and patience I would offer a friend, I can sustain long term effort without feeling drained. By acknowledging my limits and celebrating small victories, you can create a sustainable path forward. This shift in perspective has not only improved my mental health but it’s also enhanced my productivity and creativity.
Embracing self-compassion this year has taught me that taking care of myself is the best way to ensure I can keep moving forward, stronger and more determined than ever.
Running – Life’s Metaphor
Self-compassion in running is a great metaphor for life because it emphasises the importance of pacing yourself, embracing setbacks as learning opportunities, and treating yourself with kindness to sustain long-term growth and resilience.
Final Thoughts
Running’s got this amazing power to lift us up, clear our minds, and make us feel alive. But let’s not forget, it should be something that adds to our lives, not takes away from it. By being kind and compassionate towards ourselves, we make sure running stays fun and fulfilling, rather than becoming just another stressor. It’s about enjoying the journey and letting it bring joy, not pressure.
When we cut ourselves some slack and listen to what our bodies are telling us, running becomes way more enjoyable. It’s not just about beating personal bests or clocking miles; it’s about soaking up the experience and feeling good about it. Self-compassion turns running into a loyal friend rather than a demanding boss, keeping things balanced and positive.
At the end of the day, running should celebrate what we can do, not punish us for what we can’t. By weaving kindness into our running routine, we create a practice that boosts both our body and mind. This easygoing attitude doesn’t just make running better; it helps us handle life’s challenges with more patience and understanding.
So, I want to end the year by reminding you to keep running fun and let it teach you about living a balanced, happy life.
Thanks again for reading and subscribing.
Run the runnable, and keep showing up for yourself!
Tommy 🙂