Hey ,
This past weekend, we brought our bourgeoning soccer player to a special 1-1 practice in the burbs. He did great, and at the end, the coach said something that stuck with me: "He's tactical. Mature. There isn't a lot of dirty running going on and that's great."
Dirty Running...hmmm
Always one for a good image, I began to imagine all sorts of definitions of what dirty running might mean. Was it literal? Like not picking up your feet enough? Or was it sneaky, like cutting another player off? I smiled and nodded like I knew exactly what everyone was talking about and activated my expert coaching skills of listening for the words that weren't being said aloud. After a few minutes, I put it together:
Dirty running was a means of wasting energy.
It referred to the player who would run themselves ragged, trying to be at every play, looking for every opportunity, and being everything for everyone all at once.
The life parallels were undeniable. As I thought about all the times we run ourselves ragged in the "games" of health and business, I realized something: while dirty running could absolutely lead to a breakdown in energy, it was more often than not the very process that helps us build the skills that get us to where we're going.
Think of all the exercise plans, classes, and programs you tried before you landed on the one that worked for you. That was dirty running.
What about the business ideas you had to try before you found the one that felt right with your soul and your integrity? Dirty running.
It helps to recognize where you're outputting a lot of energy without a lot of return. But here's the secret: sometimes, the dirty running is how we learn to get organized. It's how we figure out what works for us and what doesn't.
The key is to let that running be a teacher and not a punisher. When the running breaks us down too far, it will lead us directly to burnout - a place that requires true intervention and support to recover from. One surefire way to tell if you're in a good space with your hustle is if it's steeped in curiosity.
Are you still excited to find out more? Do you get giddy with the thought of the running? Then you're probably on the right track.
Are you dreading the run? Are you too drained to take another step? It might be time for a new strategy or some real support.
If you are finding yourself doing some dirty running right now—whether in your health, career, or relationships—don’t be ashamed.
You're building your skills and this is part of the process.
I'm curious to hear your story. What's a time in your life when you felt like you were "running yourself ragged" and what did you learn from it?
Living Well With You, Not At You,
Coach JZ (Jenna)
P.S. If your dirty running is starting to feel less like learning and more like burnout, let's talk. We can get you a clear strategy so you can start putting your energy toward what works. Book a free consult here:
P.P.S. Fall health coaching spots are opening soon. If you've been considering working with me, hit reply and let's chat. I'll be opening 3 weekly/bi-weekly spaces (high support) and will have more info about a new (very affordable) 6- month accountability coaching program coming soon!
Save The Dates:
Group Pilates & Fitness Classes at It's Lit Studio:
September Schedule:
Mondays - 6pm: Sweat and Shine
7:30pm: Weekly Reset Pilates - all levels (this is a postural reset class with a special meditation at the end)
Wednesdays - 6pm: Step and Stretch (step aerobics)
Thursdays - 6pm: Inner Circle Pilates ( a magic-circle-based, inclusive class with lots of variations)
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