It’s Never Too Late to Develop an Athlete’s Mindset
Tired of looking at the feats of athletes around you? Take my advice and join them
I’ve always admired athletes, wanting to be just like them – strong, determined, successful. But I was never physically active, let alone an athlete. Then in 2009 I started at adidas and my life started changing. I was surrounded by colleagues who would discuss their training, their 5ks, their triathlons, their CrossFit competitions. Over and over again a voice in my head said, “I want to do that,” but it was always interrupted by the other voice, “I can’t do that.”
Getting to the starting line
What I didn’t realize was that I had already taken the first step: surrounding myself with people who could inspire, encourage and push me to take action. Next, was finding my starting line. I had been going in circles, always wanting to be active. I just couldn’t find a place to begin. That’s when one of those triathlete super-human colleagues said to me, “Ginnie, you can do it. Do you think I started running a marathon on my first day? I was just like you. I had to start at a beginning too.” And then the game changer: he sent me a training plan with a beginning – walk two minutes, run a minute. I read it, and that voice within said, “Hey, I can do that!”
My journey had begun (and continues). There was a lot of discomfort, exertion, pain and setbacks. I’ve struggled, and I mean really struggled, wanting to throw in the towel and give up. Yet ever since then I’ve never fallen off track, because of one simple fact: I have a plan.
Making sure my goals are right
In the past, I placed so much effort and focus on exercises that made very little difference. I was over-training, feeling tired as heck, seeing no improvement and getting very frustrated fast. Now, I set goals and work out what actions I need to take to achieve them. My actions have to be realistic, consistent and sustainable so I can follow through with them. As soon as I broke down my goals, creating sub goals and having a plan, I started to see and feel results. I lost over 50lbs and the weight was replaced with a fire for this new lifestyle.
Because that’s the kicker. This is truly a lifestyle. The changes I applied to my approach to fitness crossed over to my mindset at work. And others noticed. The quality of my work improved. I took on projects with greater drive and confidence. And just as I invested in a personal trainer for guidance in the gym, I looked to my managers to support my continued growth in my role as project manager of talent acquisition.
The next challenge to push my mindset
Recently, that “next level” was me pushing 500lbs. I’ll say it again, 500lbs!! It was also me planning a conference in North America all the way from Latin America (in the days leading up, I’ve never felt so anxious). And I’m not done. Because the comfort zone of our routines is not what drives improvement. Change drives improvement. But it doesn’t just happen. To push to win, you have to push for more.
Virginie
Your GamePlan A community backs you.
Best,
Nina
Your story is incredible! I'm so proud to be able to work with you at adidas. Your tenacity, determination, and drive are invigorating. #GetEmGinnie #MilesDontMatterRelationshipsDo
Thank you - Love ya Girl!
Ginnie
Ginnie
All the best to you!
Virginie
Ginnie
Ginnie
Request you to please share more details on the " two minute walk and 1 minute run" model as i also recently started running 3k and developed a good efficiency in 3 weeks and was able to complete 3k in 20 minutes but all of a sudden one day my knee started paining and from than onwards iam not running and only walking.
Please help and advise your feedback to overcome this problem as i am dedicated and want to be fit.
I am 191 cm tall and weight 210 pounds .
Thank you very much for reading my story and taking the time to reach out. Rahul , you should definitely see a specialist regarding your knee. Your knees and ankles are some of the most vulnerable areas that can be weakened by running and other physical activities. It is very important to incorporate strengthening exercises to decrease the risk of injury to your knees and use the correct sneakers.. I learned this from certified trainers and sports medicine specialists. I highly recommend that you work with a certified trainer and an Orthopedist to balance your training routine. Please promise that you will see both doctors before you continue any exercise or training program - the goal is to reduce and avoid your current and potential injuries. My run/walk training program included intervals. The first week, I would only run 3 times per week: Walk 3 minutes and run 1 minute for 30 minutes. The second week, Walk 2 minutes and run 1 minute and the third week, walk 2 minutes and run minutes. Depending on how much I slept, my hydration, etc, I would revert back to the routine for week 1 or week 2 . Please take care of that knee pain. Wishing you all the best!
Ginnie
Thank you very much for reading my story! You are 100% sport on - "Failing to plan, is planning to fail". Wishing you all the best!
Ginnie
Thank you for reading my article. I am not an athlete either and I do not compete. I have always admired the athlete's lifestyle, disciple, resilience and play to win attitude. You are right, taking small steps helps, AND just taking the steps forward is what matters most and to KEEP stepping! Your motivating words give me the same inspiration and really helps me to keep it moving.
Sending my best regards to you!
Virginie
My daughter is 16 years old and it takes a lot of coaching, patience, positive reassurance and showing her what good looks like. She is very quick to put herself down and stress out when she receives a difficult chemistry problem because she doesn't understand it. She call herself every negative word in the Webster's dictionary. Stressing out never changes a situation for the better and it doesn't solve the problem. When I see these signs, I know I have to step in to help my daughter channel that not so positive energy into actions: " Gina, you can do 2 things, look for a solution and ask for help. So together we search YouTube to review how an expert solves a similar problem. After I understand it, I explain it to her step by step. Then she realizes that it wasn't so difficult and realizes that putting herself down and stressing out will never change a situation, nor will it deliver good results. Many times, the things we do not understand, appear complicated and impossible. Once we take the time to really understand the problem, have the proper tools and support, we are able to start working on a solution. The stress is gone and we feel much better about ourselves and confidence improves. With each situation, my daughter first tries on her own and I am there to help - just in case. As long as she puts these actions into practice, her confidence improves. I have learned to first understand her situation or problem and the importance of remaining positive. This keeps her confidence and energy focused on the solution - not the problem. It takes time and practice. Kelly, no matter how challenging things get, I must remain positive at all times. There is a lot of power in being positive. It is the key ingredient that channels and drives confidence. It brings out the best in us every time! Wishing you all the best!
Virginie