You do YOU

We are all different, in almost every single way. For this reason, what is right for you might not be right for somebody else. Just because you have seen someone else doing something, and it works for them, doesn’t mean it will work well for you. It might not. 

Growing up, you are surrounded by so many social pressures that encourage you to be the same as those around you. You feel that in order to be accepted, you need to fit in, therefore being different is not necessarily encouraged. You determine what is right or wrong based on what the majority around you are doing. However, as you get older, you realise that being different is actually a very valuable thing, and in order to get the best out of yourself, you need to do what is right for YOU, not somebody else. Going with the heard won’t necessarily allow you to flourish as an individual. It may gain you acceptance, but it might not benefit you, and is this really all we want out of life? This week I was reminded of the importance of doing what is best for me. 

I was due to head off altitude training today, and quite frankly I was super excited. I have never done an altitude trip and I felt like this was a great time to start. I was given a great opportunity that seemed ideal. However, I didn't really consider whether it was great for me, or just for those around me.

I kept an eye on the forecast and although it wasn't looking great, I expected it to change. My mother did keep reminding me that it is still ski season, but like any child, I chose not to listen. It is due to be heavy snowfall with temperatures down to -15 over the weekend and into the start of next week. Having dealt with a niggle and just got back into the rhythm of training, the thought of running in snow was starting to make me quite worried. I don’t try to be, but I can be a bit clumsy, and the last thing I want is to slip and pull something or stir up the injury I have just got to settle. Therefore, I decided it would be sensible not to head out this weekend. 

I considered moving my flights and heading out towards the end of next week, but it didn't seem like the way forward. In order to get the best benefits of altitude, it is recommended you go for at least 3 weeks. If I flew out later in the week, I would only be there for 2 weeks, and factoring in adjustment time, it could end up being more disruptive than beneficial. I have got into a good routine at home and training has been positive, so I didn't want to risk upsetting the balance. I knew that not going was the right thing to do, but I needed to get these thoughts confirmed. So, I spoke to my coach, and surprise surprise, he felt the same! (I wasn’t being dramatic!! Haha) 

As soon as I had made the decision not to go, it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I had listened to myself and believed in what my gut was saying. I had lots of voices in my head telling reminding me of how many people were still going, and how not going would set me apart from the majority, but, when I took a step back and looked at my own needs and training demands, I knew going wouldn’t necessarily benefit me.  

Essentially, I want to say, do what works for you. Just because somebody else says it is a good idea, or it works for them, doesn’t mean it is the best thing for you. Trust your opinion and understand your needs, and don’t be afraid to go against the grain. Once you have made your decision, stick with it, and don't think about what could've been. Trust yourself and YOU DO YOU.