The two biggest physical tests of strength I have ever endured are running a marathon and childbirth. Not necessarily in that order. I will only talk about the running here although there are many similarities.
In 2006 I ran the Vancouver International Marathon. I was feeling pretty strong until shortly before the end when I realized I had never run farther than that before. As I looked out at the sea of people cheering on the sidelines, I saw the 39 KM marker and my breathing started getting choppy.
I began to panic. So close to the end but I was really having trouble getting air; I might not finish. I really thought I was done. Then I realized it was my mind getting in the way and not my body breaking down. So I just kept going without thinking too far ahead. One foot in front of the next. Repeat. Until I got to the finish line (not on a stretcher).
Something transformational happens when you are that raw and you persevere through it to the other side. The thing is, you can never truly know what you are capable of unless you try.
Perspectively Yours 