If, like me, you grew up watching television in the 90s, then you’ve probably come across The Magic School Bus. Each episode Ms. Frizzle would take her class on a wild adventure in her shape shifting Magic School Bus, all in an effort to learn about a science topic. I still remember the episode when they went inside Arnold’s stomach just so we could learn about the human digestive system. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to.
The adventures weren’t complete without some quips and lessons from Ms. Frizzle. She had a number of cool catch phrases, but nothing has stuck to me more than “never say never.”
Even as a child, I knew this was a paradoxical phrase. It delighted me as much as it drove me nuts. I mean, “never” is there twice right in the phrase!
I’ve been thinking about this recently because I just caught myself using a bad “never”. My first ever half marathon is tomorrow, and I have trained to the best of my ability. I am confident I can finish, and I hope to finish strong. I’m not worried about a certain pace or time, finishing will be a big accomplishment for me. I have had a love/hate relationship with running over the years, and I have uttered many a “never”.
I’ll never like running.
I’ll never run a 5k.
I’ll never run a 10k.
I’ll never a run a half marathon.
But lo and behold, these things have happened and are happening. Despite this, just yesterday in the midst of my pre-race jitters I said, “I cannot wait until this is over. I’m never training like this again. There’s no way I could do a full marathon.”
Self doubt always creeps back in. It is a constant battle for me. It is why I try so hard to maintain a positive mindset, and to always reframe challenges as opportunities.
I enjoy running now.
I’ve broken my personal records on the 5k and 10k while training for this half marathon.
I will finish my first ever half marathon tomorrow, and it probably won’t be my last.
And maybe I will run a full marathon one day.
Never say never.
You know what’s better than never? Maybe.