In the world of athletics, “grace” is often seen as a characteristic of fluid, elegant movement. Athletes who seem to glide effortlessly through their sport embody this quality. It is easy to associate grace with peak performance.
There is also the definition of grace that describes a sense of fitness or propriety. This concept is not limited to always accomplishing our best metrics but embracing the journey, how we move through challenges, and accepting ourselves in all our athletic experiences.
Expectations of Grace
As an athlete, it’s important to recognize that the absence of success is not the same as failure. (I have already shared some of my thoughts about computer measurement derailing a lot of the joy of our activities.) Not every workout ends with a new personal record or an exhilarating achievement.
Get over yourself.
In fact, some of the most meaningful workouts are those that leave us with a deep sense of well-being, even without a reportable result. Think: “runner’s high”.
We don’t always need to be “winning” to feel a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, simply showing up and giving what we can on any given day is the victory.
Numbered achievements do not define my sense of worth. I have come to acknowledge that my body may not be capable of the same feats every day. This brings about a fair measure of humility. Instead of focusing solely on comparisons to past performances, I find beauty in the day-to-day experience of sport.
Far From Static
Perspective shifts as we age. Athletic performance changes as our bodies get older. This is something I’ve come to appreciate more once it began to happen to me. The change is quite the ego hit, by the way. Now, I understand that value lies in acknowledging the challenges, embracing the losses, and appreciating my ability to still participate.
In my case, the impact of COVID-19, particularly the challenges brought on by the vaccine, have added an unexpected layer to my journey. Being presented with a pivot point in which I could allow the challenges to define my experience, or choose to be thankful for the fact that I can still train. I chose the latter and, as Mr. Frost so wonderfully expressed, that has made all the difference. I may no longer compete in the same way as I had planned, but the joy of movement, of being able to push my body in whatever way it is capable, is something I treasure.
Being an athlete is not just about reaching the finish line or the scoreboard—it’s about how we approach the moment. Grace in performance, then, is about accepting the ebbs and flows, finding joy in the process, and learning to appreciate what we can do, not just what we’ve done in the past.
Being Graceful
So, whether you’re striving for a new personal best or simply savoring the beauty of your daily workout, remember that grace in performance is what truly defines us as athletes. Media and marketing reporting notwithstanding, it is not about the numbers. Instead, the intrinsic value of exercise arises from the journey, the growth, and the gratitude for what our bodies are still capable of performing each and every day.
“When life doesn’t meet your expectations, it was important to take it with grace.”― Patricia Briggs
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