My Books

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the training facility, a stark contrast to the whirlpool of emotions churning inside Wairimu. As she laced up her shoes, a knot tightened in her stomach, a familiar sensation that had become all too prevalent in the weeks leading to her major competition. It was a blend of anticipation and self-doubt, a cocktail that made her heart race and her palms sweat. Today was supposed to be a turning point in her training, but the specter of uncertainty loomed larger than ever.

“Remember, Wairimu, it’s just training,” Ngomo, her seasoned coach and mentor, said with an encouraging smile as he joined her on the track. “Focus on the process, not the outcome.”

Easier said than done, Ngomo thought, shaking her head. “But what if I’m not ready? What if I fail?”

“Failure is a part of growth,” Ngomo replied, his tone firm yet gentle. “Each setback is a lesson if you let it be. What matters is how you respond.”

The wisdom in his words cut through Wairimu anxious thoughts, if only for a brief moment. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing mind. Thoughts began to swirl—what if everyone was right about her? What if she couldn’t live up to the expectations she had set for herself?

As Wairimu began her warm-up, she felt the weight of her own thoughts pulling her down. Even the rhythmic pounding of her feet seemed to echo her internal struggle. Each step felt heavy, and the initial excitement of training waned as doubt seeped deeper into her psyche. She could feel it constricting her chest, making it hard to breathe. Today was meant to be about pushing boundaries, but with every stride, she felt herself retreating into the shadows of inadequacy.

“Let’s work on your mental game today,” Ngomo suggested, noticing her distant expression. “We’ll start with something simple:
focus on your breath.”