Thought of the Week: 15 December 2016 – Katie Hainbach

Written by Writings & Sermons by others — 15 December 2016

Most of you know me as a musician, a singer, a choir leader and a teacher; I am all those things and I love these aspects of my life. Music has always been my life and passion, however it is my comfort zone. In the past few years I have realised that if we always stay in our comfort zones it is very difficult for us to grow and develop as individuals.

Next year I will be pushing myself as far out of my comfort zone as I have ever been, I will run the London Marathon. Now believe me, I am not a natural runner; I hated running in school (I did everything I could to get out of it), I struggled to run for years, I used to be unfit and overweight and avoid all exercise. However a few years ago my aunt who I lived with had a terrible stoke; one which left her disabled and changed her life forever. Seeing her frustration as her body failed to do what she wanted it to do made me very aware of how those who are able bodied so often take this fact for granted. Seeing her determination in physiotherapy sessions, pushing herself physically and mentally inspired me to start looking after my body. I began to eat more whole foods, cut down on processed food and animal products and started running.

My marathon training has given me so much more than just physical fitness; it has helped with my mental health, it has given me time every day for myself, it has increased my self-belief and it has greatly improved my confidence.

Therefore as we approach 2017, try to remember this: be bold, be determined, be willing to make mistakes (mistakes exist to learn from them), try new things and never stop challenging yourself; for in challenging yourself you will learn how amazing you are.

If you would like to follow my Marathon Journey you can follow my Blog at: https://katierunssite.wordpress.com/