Tonight I did something that I wasn't sure that I could do. It's not the first time I have had those thoughts, that is for sure.
Quite a few months ago I received an email from Kim Maxwell, founder of Moving Soles Running Club. She asked me if I would speak to her women running club. She felt I'd be motivational to her group and that I could share my experiences with them.
I opened her email at work and immediately said to myself "oh my gosh, I couldn't do that" "why would anyone want to listen to what I have to say" "what would I say" "too scary, I can't speak in front of a group" etc. On and on the all too familiar tape played on in my head. You can't. You are not good enough. Negative negative negative negative.
Stop it. Start the tape over. I am an experienced runner, I do have stories, some people say I motivate and inspire them. I have wished many times that I had someone to listen to about their running, their experiences, someone to learn from.
So accept the invitation.
I did. I emailed back to Kim that I would speak to her group. We sent the date for March 5. It was so far in the future, but I thought about it every day. I worried about it. What would I say?
Yesterday I typed out an outline. I began with an introduction of myself, the drinking, the eating, getting sober, Oprah, running, races, the friends I have met, coaching.
Today I had a stomach ache all day. I was nervous about the speaking engagement and excited about leaving for TX tomorrow morning.
I arrived at the Concordia Academy 30 minutes before my meeting with Kim. Enough time to sit down and take deep breaths.
Kim and the group were fantastic. I met the runners as they arrived, I was a nervous wreck.
Kim introduced me..I began to talk..and talk..and laugh..and talk some more.
I spoke for 45 minutes without stopping! I had a great time! I acknowledged my nervousness right at the beginning and then it went away. I had stories and experiences to share.
After I finished speaking the members of the club asked questions; I was so relieved that they had listened and were truly interested.
Another lesson learned: Step out of the comfort zone. Inspire, motivate..share. This was a learning experience for me, too. I enjoyed it greatly.
Thank you to Kim and the Moving Soles. I enjoyed tonight, very much.
My flight leaves at 730 AM. I better double check my packing. Fun in the Sun; Here I Come!
8 comments:
I just got home from hearing Jullie's talk. It was so inspirational. I could have listened to you talk for another 45 minutes! I got out my old copy of Oprah's book and am rereading it. Thanks for the motivation
Thank you for sharing your story. You are an amazing woman and I truly think you really need to contact Oprah now! I hope you enjoy your vacation!
You are amazing! I could have talked with you all night. I was so charged last night and this morning telling my co-workers about you. I was so inspired...... thank you!
You were outstanding last night! Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone to share your story - you have a great story to share and are so inspiring. Keep sharing it!!! Blessing to you.
--A new runner.
Julie! Good for you! See? All you needed to do was be yourself! I am proud of you! You have been my inspiration and you continue to be just that to others by telling your story and being yourself! Enjoy the beach! Love - Carol
Julie, I am a MSRC member and was at your talk Thursday night-you are simply amazing! Hearing your herculean accomplishments made my goal of running my first half-marathon seem much more attainable. I am now training with renewed enthusiasm and beginning to think that I could even run a marathon someday! Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story . . . you are such an extraordinary example of what can be achieved with determination and a belief in yourself. Hope you'll come back and run with us sometime!! :o)
Congrats Julie! It goes to show what you can do when you push yourself beyond those unseen 'boundaries'.
hey any word on if you got into Badwater ?
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