As a dedicated reader of Runner’s World Magazine, I have a confession: Most months, I roll my eyes and slightly cringe when I see the cover.  Don’t get me wrong, the content is fantastic.  If you’ve never flipped through it, you might be surprised to see it tailors to the beginner just as much as it does to the experienced runner.

But those cover models?  Ugh.  Me looking like that has the same probability of a unicorn sliding down a rainbow into my backyard.  And as I’m written before, that’s not my job.

So when I turned the page to this article and saw the super fit athlete’s picture, it’s a surprise I stopped.  What grabbed me was seeing Kathy Smith’s name, an iconic fitness instructor.  Turns out her daughter, Kate Grace, is a remarkable runner who ran the 800-meter distance at the Rio Olympics.  (Wow!)

(Photo credit: VICTOR SAILER/PHOTORUN from RunnersWorld.com)

Kate shared some tips and workouts, and then came this:

Trick your brain. When Grace has doubts during a tough workout, she acknowledges it, then focuses on a “but,” as in, “This hurts, but I’m the kind of athlete who can do this.”

While my best fitness day wouldn’t come close to her worst day on the track, that struck me.  I am NOT the kind of athlete who can do what she does.  I am, however, my own version of an athlete who can take those pessimistic thoughts and turn them around.

Yes, BUT.

Yes, the weather is hot/cold/windy/etc, BUT I braved the elements to better my health.

Yes, I’m slogging through more slowly than I wanted, BUT I’m capable of going faster and I can try again another day.

Yes, she is so lean I can count her ribs and could wash my gym clothes on her abs, BUT she works harder than I am willing to and probably doesn’t get to enjoy M&Ms while working.  (And hello?  Kathy Smith’s daughter?  Total genetic lottery.  I’m just sayin’.)

Yes, I’m embarrassed because I’m not at the level of everyone else in class, BUT I took that first step and now know what to expect.

Yes, my push-ups are done on my knees, BUT I can get stronger and eventually do them on my toes.

Yes, I totally blew out my daily sugar allowance with M&M’s and a sugary drink while writing this post, BUT I will do my best to consume plenty of vegetables and lean protein for the remainder of the day.

It’s a simple concept, really.  Simple, yet empowering. Acknowledge the challenge and answer with encouragement.

Bible readers may recognize a similar theme in 2 Corinthians 10:5:

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

By definition, “but” must have a word contrary to what comes before it.  Whatever you choose, it will likely offer more inspiration than what comes before “but.”

Next time you’re on the streets, in the gym, at the pool, or even in front of your television performing a Kathy Smith workout, allow yourself the BUT.  Then finish the sentence with grace and encouragement, reassuring yourself you’re taking the right steps toward health.

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