Yesterday (Sunday), I competed in my first ever outdoor running race.  Not just any race, mind you.  This one was 16 KM long and straight uphill (elevation change of 4,100 feet) stretching from the ocean to the peak of Vancouver’s highest mountain.

On Saturday, I almost backed out.

Why?

Fear.

I feared not being able to do it. 

I feared that I had not trained enough, did not know the course well enough, or that I was not in good enough shape.

I feared that I was not a runner… that my body was not built like an endurance athlete or designed for that much punishment.  

I feared looking like an amateur in front of experienced runners.  That I would be left in the dust by old and out of shape people. 

Above all, I feared that my mind would give up far before my body.

What made me go through with it?

Fear.

Overcoming the fear made crossing the finish line that much sweeter. 

Overcoming the fear made me truly value the accomplishment.   

Overcoming the fear made me realize that fear is designed to limit myself and what I believe I can accomplish.

Overcoming the fear gave me new perspective on any other fears lurking in my head.  I realized how unfounded and weak they are.

Overcoming the fear made me feel proud in front of my friends and family when they asked how the race went.

The next time you feel fear, go after it… challenge it… wrestle it to the ground… put fear into a submission hold where you cut off its air supply, suffocating it until you feel it tap out.  Then, raise your hands high, savour the well earned victory, and reflect on how the fight itself was so much easier than the pre-fight that occured in your head.