Are Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back?

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Hey there, my friends!

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never be able to…”? Those thoughts may feel harmless, but they can become powerful obstacles—ones that keep us from achieving our full potential. Whether it’s in your running journey, personal life, or career, these limiting beliefs often become self-fulfilling prophecies.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are those nagging thoughts or false narratives we tell ourselves that keep us from taking action. They can stem from past experiences, injuries, or even comparisons to others. Instead of questioning them, we tend to accept them as truth.

In running, it might sound like:

• “I’m too old to run an ultra.”
• “I don’t have enough time to train for a marathon.”
• “My body can’t handle that distance.”

Sound familiar? The truth is, these thoughts often stop us long before our physical limits do.

Breaking Through Those Limits

In this week’s Run the Riot episode, we highlight the story of Alex Bruton, an ultrarunner who battled his own limiting beliefs for years. After suffering from chronic knee issues, Alex was convinced his running days were behind him. He even underwent surgery, believing that would fix the problem. But the real issue wasn’t his knee—it was his belief that his body couldn’t handle it.

What changed for Alex? He made a mental shift. He started small, with just 1K, and slowly worked his way up. He set a massive goal—to run a 50K by his 50th birthday—and committed to training. Each step forward challenged his limiting belief until, one day, it shattered. He not only finished his 50K but discovered a stronger version of himself along the way.

How to Challenge Your Own Limiting Beliefs

You don’t have to run a 50K to break through your mental barriers. Here are a few simple ways to start challenging your own limiting beliefs, both on and off the trail:

1. Identify the Belief: First, pinpoint the specific belief that’s holding you back. Is it about your ability, your time, or maybe even fear of failure?
2. Question Its Validity: Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” Often, you’ll find that these beliefs are based on past experiences or assumptions—not facts.
3. Set a Challenging Goal: Don’t aim for the impossible right away. Start with a realistic challenge, like running a higher distance without stopping, or committing to a structured training program.
4. Stay Consistent: Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency is key. Trust the process, show up regularly, and keep pushing past that mental block.
5. Track Your Progress: Celebrate small victories! Every step forward is a win, and each win chips away at the limiting belief.

Listen to Alex’s Journey and Get Inspired!

If you’re ready to start challenging those beliefs, listen to the latest episode of Run the Riot to hear Alex’s full story. His journey proves that with the right mindset and consistent effort, you can achieve what once seemed impossible.
​Listen to the Podcast Here​

Looking to go further? If you’re ready to smash through your own limits, we’re here to help. Visit the Run the Riot Coaching to take your training to the next level and prove those doubts wrong!
​Run the Riot Coaching​

On the journey,

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