by Nadia Sinclair

Imagine the months you invested, painstakingly preparing for a grand spring marathon or a similar athletic event, only to have it abruptly called off. The disappointment must be palpable, a sentiment echoed by countless athletes who shared the same fate, left with the bitter taste of meticulously planned training sessions leading to nowhere.

While it’s perfectly normal to experience a period of mourning for the race that never was, it’s equally important to rise from the ashes, habitually positive, and proactive. Here are five steps to help you convert your disappointment into an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

Reframe the Situation

At first glance, your rigorous training may seem like hours of fruitless efforts, but a change in perspective reveals a wealth of beneficial insights. This data— about your strengths, weaknesses, suitable mindsets, and more—will be invaluable when strategizing for your next event. Embrace this delay as a second shot at perfecting your endeavor. After all, amid current global health concerns, we should be grateful that our health and fitness have allowed us to train at all.

Subdue your Inner Critic

Even the most optimistic among us are susceptible to bouts of negative self-talk. In race situations and daily life alike, we tend to inflict harsh criticisms upon ourselves, often more severe than we’d ever dare to utter to someone else. Mindfulness exercises can help us discern negative thought trends and disarm them, preserving our confidence.

Partake in Pressure-free Training

With the uncertainty surrounding future races, the self-imposed pressures we usually face are lifted, reinstating the joy of participating in sports. One determined athlete has found pleasure in running for its own sake in these times. The enchanting simplicity of a good run and the calming effect it yields has prompted her positively in this unprecedented time.

Uncover your Motivation

Ask yourself, “How did I truly feel when I learned my race was canceled? Was I devastated or secretly relieved? Did I end training abruptly or continue it out of passion?” Your answers should reveal if your motivation springs from internal love for your sport or external validation. Use this period of uncertainty to ponder, refine, and align your motivations to maximize your enjoyment of your chosen sport.

Emerge Stronger

Once you unlock your motivation, set ambitious goals to fill you with renewed energy, and a sense of purpose. Consider this period as an opportunity to work on your weaknesses, ensuring that once the races resume, you’ll be fully prepped to outpace the competition.

Create New Opportunities

Isolate your biggest athletic weakness from the beginning of the year and spend the next few months transforming it into a strength. See this situation as a chance to become more adaptable—a key attribute in dealing with outdoor adventures and races. Incorporate a new habit that benefits you, like mindfulness exercises, activating those glutes, or daily stretching, into your routine.

Athletic disappointment, event cancellations, motivation, resilience, personal growth, wellness, fitness, stamina, strength