It's ok to feel nervous.

It occurs to me that if I'm anything like my Dad and you're anything like me, then you'll probably think that I'm fearless and willing to take on any challenge. Looking at the next few months, I'm not surprised by this. I try to teach you Kids to be scared of nothing and to try everything but here is a secret which I have never told you before. I'm terrified.


In less than a week, I'm running my first marathon. The MK marathon is nowhere near as prestigious as London Marathon which ran last weekend, but this is my challenge, so to me it means a lot. I've run the distance before, but its never easy, completing that distance is a true feat and should never be underestimated.

A week later, I'm competing in the Strongman Run in Germany. If the event is still running when you read this look it up, it sounds horrific and if it's finished, youtube has a million clips.


Lastly I have signed up for my first Ultramarathon with GoBeyondUltra. This is 35 miles of trail running and as I discovered today, map reading skills. I'm ok at the running not so much at the map reading (don't tell your mother I said that. If she asks, I'm great with a map). This takes place on the 27th of May.

So pretty much 3 new challenges and experiences, each of the more daunting than the last, all within the next four weeks. And I'm telling you now kids; I'm nervous.


Nervous that I'll get injured in one and not be able to do the others, nervous that I won't do as well as I hope. Nervous I'll let other people down and mostly nervous that I'll DNF (did not finish).


Nervousness is just the bodies way of dealing with the knowledge that you are about to do something great. It lets you know that you are pushing yourself to your limits and beyond. It prepares you for the adrenalin rush of taking that first step and the euphoria of crossing the finishing line. 


It doesn't have to be running or sport or even work based challenges that make you nervous. All sorts of things you face will give you that feeling in the pit of your stomach. From exams at school to asking someone on a date, competing in sports or learning to ride a bike, when the nerves kick in you are on a precipice between taking the safe comfortable route that you've taken before and exploring something new and exciting. Recognise them as an opportunity to do something amazing and do it.


So like I said, it's ok to be nervous. , the trick is not letting it stop you from doing the things you love.

PS. If you want t know what happens when you push yourself despite nerves ad self doubt read this from last year.