The Outdoor Muscle Show: On the Move (Episode 2) – You’re Lying to Yourself About What You Can Achieve

About ten years ago, I worked at my first big company after grad school. A year into that job, we hired someone who completely changed the way I saw myself—and what I believed I was capable of.

He wasn’t just ex-military. He was ex-special forces, and not just any special forces. He was the tip of the spear kind of guy. Despite that, he was approachable. I learned a lot from him, but one moment stuck with me—and still guides me today as an endurance and strength coach, training for an Ironman.

That moment changed the course of my entire fitness journey.

The Treadmill Encounter

Back then, I was fully immersed in lifting—bodybuilding, powerlifting—you name it. Cardio was the enemy. I was terrified I’d lose all the muscle I had worked so hard to build if I allowed my heart rate to increase even a little.

One morning before work, I saw this guy finishing up a treadmill run at the gym. I walked up to say good morning. I was taken back by the workout he just finished.

Five miles in under 40 minutes.

I said something that revealed just how limited my thinking was: “Wow, that’s impressive. I could never do that.”

He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Don’t ever say that.”

He wasn’t mad, but he was serious. He told me, “Don’t ever tell yourself something’s not possible. You could run five miles. Of course it’ll take some training, but don’t lie to yourself.”

Then he pointed to the treadmill next to him and told me to get on. I hesitated. I was tired from lifting. But he insisted.

Jog First, Think Later

“I don’t even think I can run a mile,” I told him.

He just covered the treadmill display with my towel and told me to jog lightly. Then he started talking—about work, life, random stuff.

After a while, he said, “Take the towel off. What’s it say?”

1.47 miles.

I couldn’t believe it. I had just told him I couldn’t run a mile, and here I was, nearly at a mile and a half.

He looked at me and said, “See? You were lying. You said you couldn’t do it, but you just did.” Then he just walked away.

That simple moment stuck with me for years.

What Else Are You Lying to Yourself About?

I’ve run marathons. I’ve completed every Spartan race distance. I’ve raced on roads and trails of all distances. And now I’m training for an Ironman. All of that started with one man calling out a lie I had convinced myself was true.

So I ask you: What are you lying to yourself about?

Is there something you want—something that feels out of reach—and you’ve just told yourself it’s impossible?

Maybe you want to run. Maybe you want to get stronger. But there’s this voice in your head saying, “That’s not for me. I could never do that.”

That voice is lying.

With time, training, and the right support, you can do more than you think. Most limitations aren’t real. They’re lies we tell ourselves.

Start Small, Think Big

A prospective coaching client recently told me, “I want to run and get stronger, but I don’t know what goal to set.” I asked her what her dream goal was.

She said, “I want to run a half marathon, but it feels way too big from where I am right now.”

I told her that’s okay. Big goals can feel overwhelming. The key is to break them down.

Start with a 5K. Then a 10K. You don’t need to jump straight to the big goal. Just start where you are and build up.

Final Thoughts

Take a few minutes to reflect on what lies you’re telling yourself. What feels out of reach? What have you convinced yourself you can’t do?

Now ask: is that true, or is it just a lie?

Rewriting that narrative can change your life. It changed mine.

If you’re looking for training support to achieve those big goals, I have new pre-written training plans on TrainingPeaks. I also offer custom coaching at two levels, depending on the support you need.

And if you’re enjoying these episodes from the bike, let me know! I’m loving doing them—and I’d love to keep riding and sharing if it’s helping you.

See you in the next one.

What to Read Next

Endurance News, How to Stay Motivated, Q&A – On the Move

Ultramarathon Training With A Busy Schedule – Pete Ciotti

Build Unbreakable Mental Resilience As An Athlete – Sierra Morris