Your Running Coach with GMacSpurr · March 10, 2026 · 10 min

41. The Stories We Tell Ourselves Before We Try Something New

Have you ever talked yourself out of trying something before you even start? In this episode, Coach G shares her first ever wild water swim at an International Women’s Day event - and how the biggest barrier wasn’t the freezing water, but the story her brain was telling her beforehand. Because this is something she sees all the time with runners and women getting back into movement. We create a narrative about how something will go - whether that’s joining a running club, signing up for a race, or starting exercise again - before we’ve even tried. In this episode we explore: Why our brains create “pre-start stories” before new challenges How fear of judgement can hold us back from trying something new Why confidence comes after experience, not before How small decisions to show up help build self-trust Coach G also shares how the 31x31: 31 Days to Building Self-Trust challenge helps people rebuild trust in their bodies through simple daily movement. Sometimes the hardest step isn’t the workout or the race. It’s simply deciding to begin. Links: - The Club - because there's more to running than what's featured in Strava. Work on the mindset stuff that can make all the difference. - Re-write your running story with  The Runner Identity Project (aka TRIP) - Curious about what coaching could do for you? Jump on a consultation call with Coach G - Break through what’s holding you back and unlock your next level with 1:1 Coaching - Join 31x31: 31-Day Self-Trust Challenge - If you like to listen to music on your run, grab your  new fav running playlist here -   If you are guessing what to eat before, during & after your run then look no further -  grab this 3-part running fuel series . Let's stay in touch: Follow  @gmacspurrcoaching  on Instagram Join the  Your Running Coach by GMacSpurr  community and keep the conversation going www.gmacspurr.com