Let Your Mind Run with Deena Kastor

The Coach Jenny Show

COACH JENNY - EPISODE 40 - Let Your Mind Run with Deena Kastor

Deena Kastor is one of the world’s most extraordinary female athletes. Her career is earmarked by her groundbreaking 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal in the marathon in Athens, Greece, which shattered a 20-year medal draught for U.S. women in the event. Yet, her accomplishments don’t stop there. Deena is currently the American Record Holder in the marathon (2:19:36) and half marathon (1:07:34) and has held American records in a distances from 5K to the marathon.

Deena’s win at the 2005 Chicago Marathon was highlighted in the inspiring documentary, Spirit of the Marathon. Deena followed that momentum to win the 2006 London marathon which ranked her #1 in the world that year. In 2014 Deena set 5 world masters records in one race during the Philadelphia Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon. Deena has a reputation for bringing her very best self to the starting line while simultaneously inspiring excellence in everyone around her. She did just that with her new book, Let Your Mind Run, A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory. You can’t help but shift your thoughts to the positive when reading her book.

TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS:

1:46 WRITING ‘LET YOUR MIND RUN’

8:16 PERSEVERANCE WHEN TEMPTED TO QUIT

13:24 HAVING PATIENCE WITH OUR DEVELOPMENT

14:43 STARTING A MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

20:29 EXCEDING EXPECTATIONS

21:42 RESPONDING TO FEAR WITH COURAGE

23:27 HOW MARATHON RUNNING TEACHES US TO DEAL WITH FEAR

25:29 THE ROLE VISUALIZATION CAN PLAY FOR RUNNERS

28:47 THOUGHTS WHILE RACING IN THE 2004 OLYMPICS

34:07 LEARNING FROM OUR INJURIES

40:42 NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF PARENTHOOD

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The principles that make us better athletes also makes us better human beings.

The importance of being critical without being judgmental.

Shift from the negative to the positive whenever possible.

There’s a difference between being fit and being healthy.

Meet your fears with courage.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: DEENA KASTOR

I have been running since I was 11 years old and have learned over the years that there is no greater influence on success than the power of optimism. When we are positive, we master our physical potential. The power of our own thinking can open doors and elevate our performances. With optimism I have been able to pursue every goal, win medals, earn American and world records, but more importantly, I’ve been able to be resilient in the face of injury and falling short. Optimists are dreamers, believers and solution seekers. I believe that these lessons are universal and not running exclusive.

Connect With Deena Kastor Online:

Official Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram