Redefining Strength and Success

Each time I mention I ran a couple of half marathons in the past, I feel the need to add apologetically ‘but I’m not fast’. Recently, a friend replied, ‘But you do it!’

I realised it might be time for me to redefine what success and strength means not just in terms of running but in my life in general.

Moving from Physical Prowess to Inner Resilience

Culturally, we often think of strength as physical prowess and of resilience as coping with painful situations. Yet, for those of us dealing with chronic illness or with the natural limitations that come with age, these concepts can feel alienating. What if, instead of comparing ourselves to an ideal of peak health or youthful energy, we measured strength and success by new, meaningful standards?

Chronic health conditions and aging shift the boundaries of what the body can do as I was clearly reminded of last Sunday while running Seville Half marathon. They remind us that physical strength is only one form of resilience. But our ability to adapt, to manage pain, and to keep positive in the face of challenges is also a marker of strength, maybe an even more meaningful one.

Have you seen the recent video of Elisabetta Curridori, a professional triathlete whose dad is 71 and Ironman World Champion? Her dad told her that when you are starting to feel pain, you are only at 50% of your capability, so you can keep going so much longer… if you want to!

But we also need to remember that strength can be expressed in so many ways: showing up for each day despite physical pain; setting boundaries to respect our physical needs, such as resting when necessary; allowing others to help and accepting support when needed, rather than feeling the pressure to do it alone.

Maybe true strength is more a willingness to adapt to what life brings. It’s an attitude, not an ability.

Looking at Goals with a New Lens

It is really hard to let go of goals that once seemed part of who we want to be. For someone used to being physically active, accepting new goals (that we probably feel are ‘lesser’ goals) is tough. As I researched this topic, I came across a few tips that I would like to share with you. But please keep in mind that I am still struggling to do that myself and I am not pretending to be a model, far from it… Here are three main pieces of advice:

• Consider goals that emphasise quality over quantity like focusing on a few favourite activities rather than the quantity of what you achieved.

• Focus on how you can bring a positive mindset, a caring presence, or a sense of gratitude into each day. In other words being rather than doing.

• Looking at health as an ongoing practice rather than a fixed point. Success can mean managing symptoms well, listening to your body, or developing new routines that work rather than focusing on running a race for instance.

The goal is to view purpose and progress not as lesser versions of what we once did, but as signs of resilience and self-compassion. The truth is, at any stage of life (especially with illness or age) limitations and boundaries naturally appear. We can choose to see these as weaknesses or as opportunities for learning and growth.

Just as the brain finds new pathways when one is damaged, we can adapt when certain activities are no longer possible. It might even be a chance to uncover a new talent or discover hidden strengths.

That said, I’m not there yet myself. I know I’ll keep struggling with this before any real wisdom comes to me. So if you have any advice or tips, please feel free to share.

Sending you lots of best wishes

Véronique