It’s still hard to even believe I have done it.
Hard to believe that I did in fact achieve my ultimate running goal, the only hard set running goal I ever had.
You know I am an intuitive person, so I do not usually set goals, but this was one I had from the very beginning, from the first time I really started to care about the sport at age 14.
This is an emotional time, and in some ways it doesn’t even feel real; I, Tina Muir, ran in a WORLD Championship representing GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND, and I like to think that I did myself and everyone who has supported me, proud.
I could probably write a 6 part post about the experience. I could probably go on for hours sharing every little detail, but I want to enjoy this time being out in the proper English Countryside with my family. I am away from them most of the year, but I have this small window of opportunity between now and the London marathon to cherish some time with them, and I intend on making the most of it.
But that being said, I am an emotional person, I am an honest and open person, and I want to share my thoughts, at least with myself, getting them down on paper…well, on a keyboard, and I think you will want to read those inner thoughts too, to hopefully show that you too can do what you set your mind to, you too can have a dream that you work towards every day for years, using it as motivation on those days you just dont feel it, and someday you will get there, if you truly want it bad enough and believe that you deserve it.
Yesterday I got to make my dream a reality, and rather than me going to bed that night feeling accomplished, kind of putting my running to bed a little, I felt more hunger, more desire to really see what I can do.
I always worried that once I did this, that I would just lose all motivation to train, but I guess that is how we as runners work, always wanting more, never happy haha.
But today, I woke up excited, knowing that I have so much more in there, and now I have shaken the rust off, shaken those nerves away, I will be able to do even better next time.
However, one thing I should note:
Last night I actually went to bed upset.
I am sensitive, I think everyone reading this blog knows that.
But unfortunately, one comment from someone who is important to me was going round and around in my mind. I had such an incredible day, yet I just could not let it go.
It threatened to tarnish my whole outlook of the experience, and in fact, that night it did. Rather than thinking about the race, about the whole experience, all I could think of was that.
Thankfully though, I was sent some photos of me finishing the race by Nicky Hayes. This was enough to flip my outlook back to positive, and make me remember just how happy I was as I finished yesterday.
It made me realize something.
If I am going to put myself in the limelight by sharing my feelings with the world the way I do. If I am going to put myself under fire by representing my country, I need to toughen up. I need to accept the downside of that. I am going to hear comments that may hurt my feelings, especially as I have always said I respect honesty. Even though I am sensitive, I cannot let them take away from my accomplishments.
I ran for my country in a world championship, and not only did I finish 49th, but I was the 3rd british runner home. I think I proved that I deserved that opportunity, especially for my first time with only having 3 days notice to prepare for the race.
When I was in college, coaches used to call me “money in the bank” as I always could be relied upon to race well when it mattered. Although this stage was 100000x scarier than anything I have ever done in my life, I feel like I rose up to the challenge, and I will only get stronger each time from now.
I am so thankful for this opportunity. The Great Britain team leaders were absolutely fantastic, I did not feel like I was intruding, and I did not ever get the feeling that I didnt deserve to be there.
It was the greatest running experience of my life so far, and one I will never forget.
I will share the ins and outs in my next post, and I will slowly get back to all the kind, wonderful, supportive, loving comments. Thank you SO MUCH for those.
But for now, I am going to step away for a few days, and be with my family, trying to relax.
while eating this for breakfast…..
and this for dinner…
and of course I earned a good dessert (my favorite, sticky toffee pudding)
Marathon training right?
Time for rest. Time for recovery. And time for me to go chill.
But what do I want to leave you with?
Don’t be afraid to go for your dreams. Even if they are terrifying. Anything worth having, is worth fighting for.
[bctt tweet=”Read how @tinamuir achieved her lifelong #running dream, and you can too!” via=”no”]What is your lifelong running dream?
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74 Comments.
I SO SO SO CHEERED when I saw you post about this on the book of faces last night. As my people say MAZEL TOV!
Hehe thank you lovely!
What an inspiration you are. Congratulations on fulfilling your ambition, and a brilliant result. Well done for recognising that although you work incredibly hard, you can never prevent others from talking/typing without their brain engaged! Enjoy your time with your family, you deserve it.
Awww thanks Vanessa, such lovely words and making me feel better. I really really appreciate it 🙂
I am just so beyond proud of you! I was thinking of you ALL DAY on Saturday and just smiled so big every time I thought about what you were doing and what it mean to you, to us, to your family and to your country!!! You should be on top of the world! Relax, enjoy and soak in all in. You did it!
You just always know what to say, I smile SO BIG everytime you talk to me!
I’m so happy for you Tina and you did deserve to be there. You proved that to everyone. I can’t imagine how hard it was to hear everything that was said and to be honest, I am emotional and would have taken it similarly. You look great and you raced well too.
Awwww Hollie, your words are so kind and thoughtful. I really appreciate it 🙂
There are so many times when a single comment will stop us in our tracks and make us question everything about ourselves. Ultimately, it is up to us to realize whose comments matter in the great scheme of things. Congratulations, and well deserved!
So true Suz, thanks for your perspective 🙂
You’re amazing!! Congratulations!!! I’m so so so happy for you, and those pictures with those smiles, oh my gosh. You’re an inspiration to all. Enjoy the time with your family!
Awww thanks Heather, hehe your words are just so sweet!
Tina, this was so great to read! Congrats to you on achieving your dream and I know you have so much more ahead of you as well!! They say us women distance runners peak in our late 20s/early 30s 🙂
Thank you so much! Hopefully they are right…that would be exciting!
So happy for you friend! I love those photos of you running with that BIG smile on your face…AMAZING!
Thanks so much Katie 🙂
Not only did you deserve to be there, but you worked your ass off for the right to be there. You put your heart into it and look where it got you- on a huge state, representing your home country, and you did fantastic. I am so happy for you, and proud of you. You are a true inspiration to myself and so many others. Unfortunately some people feel the need to bring others down with negativity and I’m sorry that someone did that- like you said it comes with the territory a bit but that doesn’t make it any easier to handle. Big hugs lady, and enjoy that R& R!
Awww Laura, you just put SUCH a huge smile on my face. i really hope someday our paths cross, thank you for making me feel better!
Congratulations Tina!!!!!!!! I’m so happy you did so well in the race!!! Your story is so inspiring. There are always going to be haters OR worse yet, “friends and family” with snarky comments. Don’t let them steal your joy!!!! It is yours alone.
Thanks Julie, that is so true, and people like you make me feel so much better!
You truly are an inspiration! Your smile and dedication is always an encouragement to others. Thank you. Enjoy the time off and get your body recharged for the next great event!
Thanks Tim, I will do my best, thanks for always being there!
That breakfast, dinner and dessert look delicious! Enjoy them, you’ve earned it, big time!
Hehe I definitely did enjoy them! Thanks Russa!
I thought of you on Saturday and am so happy you achieved your dream. I can’t wait to see more about it! Enjoy your time with loved ones – soak every moment in! You deserve relaxation and delicious home foods. Congrats Tina, you inspire me!
Awww thanks Olivia, that is so nice. I really did enjoy it, and thank you for the wonderfully sweet words!
You ran so well and deserve to be so proud of your achievements. I know it is easier said than done, but don’t let that one negative moment play on your mind. It is ok to wear your heart on your sleeve; endurance runners who work as hard as you do fight to put 110% into everything that they do and are brave enough to give everything they have to achieve their goals. This includes emotions too, be these exhilaration, elation, frustration or disappointment. Let whatever was said only fuel your determination, have a wonderful rest and keep doing what you love. xx
That is SO true Charlotte. Thank you for that love, support and kindness. We need more of you in this world!
Beyond happy for you Tina. You deserve to soak in every minute of this and those finish line photos!! I mean the joy on your face is priceless. Enjoy your time with your family, rest and relax!! xoxo
Thanks my friend, I know you know the importance of that!
I just LOVE the photos of you crossing the finish line. To me, THAT’S what it’s all about. You should be proud! Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey because it makes me more excited about my own running.
Thanks Judith, that really means a lot 🙂 I hope your running continue to brings you happiness too!
So fantastic, Tina!! You are incredible. I’m so happy for you! And yes, definitely soak up all the family time you can!
I definitely am, thanks friend!
Congratulations Tina!!! Your finishing photos are BEAUTIFUL!! I’m so glad you share your doubts, fears, heartbreak, joy, etc with us. So many feel the same way about our running. Knowing that someone else is going through the same thing gives me motivation to keep setting goals and putting in the hard work to achieve them. Enjoy the time with your family! Very happy for you!!!
Awwww thank you so much, that is why I do not mind sharing the bad too, it makes us all feel less alone. Thank you for your kind words and big heart!
Congratulations on a super awesome race!!!!!! You were amazing and inspirational, as always! I couldn’t be happier for you and hope that you can truly let all that goodness sink in. I hope you enjoy the relaxing recovery and let that help rejuvenate you as you prep for the marathon. So excited to watch your continued growth and progress! Go Tina!!!
Thank you Katy, awww you are such a sweetheart, if I can help you with anything, please let me know!
49 is fantastic! I took a quick look at who was all in the field and I saw it was stacked with the best . GB has always been proud of its distance runners and you did not disappoint .
Awww thanks Rick, it was a pretty heavy field. I appreciate the kind words!
Happy easter Tina, and congrats on representing GB! It was great to see you race online! I’m not sure what the comment was, but I’m sorry it was upsetting. I struggle with this sometimes, I’ve learned to let go of a lot of comments from people but now I seem to get more upset by actions (deception, etc). Some comments will always be hard to let go of, I’m starting to think that this is just part of being human and not necessarily a negative – because sometimes these negative reactions need to be added to the furnace to fuel our motivation. All the best, you’ve achieved something that only the majority can dream about.
Awww Mike, you have been such a good friend for many years now. I really appreciate everything you said here, that is SO true. I am going to use it, thank you for the perspective. Hope you are well!
Tina! The more I read your blog, the more I realize how similar we are. I, too, am very sensitive and I honestly care too much about what other people think… But YOU just ran the race of YOUR dreams (and did a pretty amazing job at that!)… It is your job to not let anybody ruin that for you. You made YOURSELF, your family, your friend, your readers and GREAT BRITAIN very proud – focus on that and that only. CONGRATS!
The more we interact, the more I want us to meet up ASAP! You always make me smile so big! THNAK YOU!
So happy for you!!! You look so strong and happy in your finish line pics. Thank you for taking the time to share your race with us and how your overcame other people’s negativit. Enjoy the time with your family and soak up the good food and rest
Thank you Paula. Your words are so kind and thoughtful. Thank you so much!
I’m so happy for you Tina! I was checking for your posts yesterday and am so proud of how well you did – 3rd place GB is very impressive! Don’t let anyone steal your joy in your victory – you are amazing! Enjoy your time in England – and all of that delicious food!
I sure did, thank you so much for all your support Laura 🙂
You did amazing and have made so many proud! Even the non-Brits! Your hard work paid off and you 10000% deserved to be there on those roads running! Way to go friend!
Thank you lovely lady, I appreciate the support you always give me!
Congratulations Tina!! I am glad you were able to enjoy yourself and take pride in what you accomplished. Enjoy the time with your family!
Thanks so much Lisa 🙂 I definitely am enjoying it!
I love that smile of yours, especially the one in the hotel room where you’re showing off your kit. It’s a classic shit-eating grin. LOVE IT. What an honour, and BG is lucky to have Muir on that kit. 🙂
Thanks Suzy, haha yes it was, and I am glad you saw that too 🙂
Wooooo…. I was so delighted for you watching the race on Saturday, you’re super stuff! Seriously well done and enjoy the time out.
Thanks so much Fifi, lots of love!
CONGRATULATIONS!! I was up on time to watch on Saturday, and I was sad when they didn’t mention your name.
I love the picture of you heading to the finish line, you look SO SO HAPPY!
I can’t wait to read more!!
Sorry to hear that, they always only focus on the leaders, but we know I was there, right? Thanks so much Ange 🙂
So very very happy for you Tina! I love the smile on your face in those race pictures. You really inspire me! Enjoy the time with your family 🙂
Thank you Michelle, such sweet words, I really appreciate it!
SOOO happy for you Tina!!! You are amazing!!! Enjoy every moment with your family!! We were all cheering for you on Saturday and you did fantastic!! Sending lots of xoxo
Thank you Nat, I really appreciate it!
CONGRATS Tina!! Enjoy time with your family!
Thank you so much Faith 🙂
How inspiring! I love how open you are; it’s probably the foundation of a runner, with passion built on top. I’m very happy for you and look forward to the next dream of yours coming true!<3
Awww thank you Tiffany, what beautiful words you used, that is so so kind! Hope you find all your dreams too!
I am so so pleased for you. I thought of you when I heard the elite women starting and I truly hoped you’d have a good race. You definitely deserved to be there and whatever comment hurt your feelings should be completely and utterly ignored. You showed up and smashed it. I’m proud to have you representing Britain! 🙂
Thanks Anna 🙂 I really appreciate all your love and kind words!
Congrats! I can’t wait to read all about your race experience!
Thanks Kristen, hopefully it did not disappoint 🙂
Congratulations!! You are truly an inspiration! I have a few dreams, including running a marathon and get involved in trail racing.
Thank you so much Katie! Ooooh would love to hear more about those! Believe in them, you can do it!
Congratulations Tina!! I enjoy reading your posts because you are so raw. I’m definitely a very emotional lady and the smallest comment can really get to me. Especially if it comes from my spouse or someone close. But, running toughens us up in way. I enjoy listening to your podcasts and reading your posts. You’re a true encourager and you give hope to us mortals. 🙂 believe!
Awwww thanks Jess, you are so right, it does toughen us….maybe I need a little more running. Thanks so much, and YES, believe in YOU!