Determination (Is that all you need?)

This morning I attended the Peter Pan Parkrun and seem to have a problem getting sub 23 minutes for a 5K, but that’s not a lack of determination or is it? I have felt under attack recently by the sub 23 minutes they have clamoured at me, similar to the peasants with their pitchforks outside Dr Frankenstein’s castle (remember that scene)  But this morning I found a little peace because I met Jo Pavey .

Of course you may not know who she is? Jo was the first British runner and the only track athlete to compete at five Olympic Games, but in 2014 at the age of 40 years 325 days she won the European Gold medal in the 10,000 metres (worth watching here) that was eleven months after giving birth. Now that is determination. The thing is and I mean no offence, if you saw her shopping in Lidl you wouldn’t give her a second look. She is quite small and doesn’t have the physique of an Amazon Warrior, so how does she become a world contender and European Champion? – Determination – If you really want something you will never achieve it unless you are determined. How many people think it would be nice to be able to play the guitar, then, after a few weeks realise it’s quite hard and give up? Probably millions (most homes have one along with a treadmill or exercise bike that they hang damp washing on 🙂

So, thank you Jo I will achieve that sub 23 minutes; you need a dream, you need confidence, you might need a little luck, but honestly? If you are determined and let nothing stand in your way you will succeed 🙂