The Mindset That Took Me 11 Miles (and Can Take You Anywhere)

Are you Mentally Fit?

Dec 06, 2024

True fitness isn’t just physical—it's training your mind to be as resilient, focused, and unstoppable as your body. At Mentally Fit With Ellin, we build strength from the inside out.

1. A Personal Story

The Mindset Shift That Got Me Through 11 Miles

Training for my first half marathon has been a rollercoaster—lots of highs, but even more doubts. Last week, I had one of those days where everything felt impossible.

I woke up with a knot in my stomach. Eleven miles? The longest I’ve ever run? It seemed so far, and part of me didn’t think I could do it. It was cold. I was tired. I was questioning everything.

But instead of letting the doubt take over, I made a choice: show up and do what you can. I told myself, "If I hit 8-9 miles, that’s amazing. No pressure—just show up and my body will follow."

As I started running, I reminded myself why I was doing this: for Sharsheret, an organization that supported my family during my mom’s battle with breast cancer. That reminder helped me push through. And guess what? I did it. I ran 11 miles, the furthest I’ve ever gone.

Here’s the thing: this mindset isn’t just for running. It’s the same mindset that carries us through life.

In relationships: Showing up for yourself teaches you to show up for others with honesty, vulnerability, and love. It helps you build trust and resilience, even when it’s tough.
In the boardroom: That courage to start, even when you’re nervous, is the same energy that allows you to pitch your ideas, stand your ground, and face challenges head-on.
As an entrepreneur: The first step into the unknown is the same energy that fuels you to chase your dreams, take risks, and build your business from the ground up.
As a parent: Showing up for your family, even when you’re exhausted, stressed, or overwhelmed, is where your strength truly shows. It’s the quiet moments of choosing to be present that count.

The truth is, showing up for yourself, doing hard things, and proving what’s possible isn’t just for running—it’s for every part of life. It builds confidence, self-love, and a deep belief that you can handle whatever comes your way.

When we push through challenges, it’s not just about getting physically stronger—it’s about building mental resilience and earning trust in ourselves. And that is worth celebrating.

So, if you’re feeling stuck—whether it’s in training, relationships, work, or chasing a dream—just start. Break it down, remember your “why,” and trust that you’ll get stronger with every step. Yes, it’s supposed to be hard. And no, most people won’t tell you that. But doing hard things is an opportunity—a chance to prove to yourself that you are capable of far more than you thought. It’s all about shifting your perspective and embracing the challenge.

Remember, our brains are muscles too. Just like our biceps, they grow when we work them out.

So, next time you hit a workout or face a challenge, know that you’re not just working your body—you’re strengthening your mind. You’re sharpening your focus and building mental resilience for everything life throws your way.

Miami Half Marathon, I’m coming for you. And I’m taking this mindset with me everywhere I go.

I know I *look* fresh, but it was 30 degrees out there—no sweat, just sheer determination. 😅 11 miles in the bag, and I’m still smiling!

2. Mentally Fit Mindset Hack

Master the A.P.E. Mindset: Attitude, Preparation, Effort

"A.P.E" stands for "Attitude, Preparation, and Effort," which is a concept often used in sports psychology and personal development to emphasize the idea that individuals can control their performance by focusing on these three key elements, all of which are within their own power to manage, regardless of external factors or circumstances.

When life feels overwhelming, and you don’t know where to begin, simplify your focus with the A.P.E. mindset:

Let’s break it down:

Attitude:
- This refers to your mindset and mental approach to a task or challenge. A positive attitude can fuel motivation and resilience, while a negative one can hinder performance.
- Control your perspective. Shift from “I have to” to “I get to.” Gratitude fuels resilience.
Preparation:
- This involves the proactive steps taken to prepare for a situation, including training, studying, planning, and acquiring necessary skills.
- Break big goals into manageable steps. Preparation reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
Effort:
- This represents the level of energy and focus you put into executing a task, demonstrating dedication and commitment to achieving your goals.
- Show up and give your best—even if it’s not perfect. Consistency compounds over time.

Key points about A.P.E:

Control the controllable: The core idea behind A.P.E is that while you cannot always control the outcome of a situation, you can control your attitude, preparation, and effort, which significantly impact your performance.
Focus on the process: By emphasizing preparation and effort, A.P.E encourages a focus on the process of improvement rather than solely on the final result.
Application in various fields: This concept is not just relevant to sports; it can be applied to any area where individuals strive for high performance, including business, academics, and personal development.

Whether you’re training for a marathon or tackling a work deadline, A.P.E. keeps you grounded, focused, and empowered.

“To achieve high performance in sports, business, and life, recognize that you are in the driver’s seat in your life.” — Cindra Kamphoff

3. Client Win (Anonymous)

A recent client came to me overwhelmed with anxiety about a major career decision. They were stuck in a loop of "What if I fail?" Through our sessions, we shifted their mindset to focus on one question: "What’s the next best step I can take?"

Using mindfulness techniques and the A.P.E. framework, we honed in on what they could control. They learned to notice and validate anxious thoughts like, "What if I’m not qualified?" as a sign of how much they cared. Instead of catastrophizing, they reframed these thoughts and focused on the facts and their own efforts.

The result? Not only did they make the leap—they landed a promotion within three months. By letting go of the uncontrollable and trusting themselves, they stopped wasting energy predicting outcomes and started taking bold, confident actions.

Their journey is a powerful reminder: growth happens when we step into the unknown, believe in our ability to figure things out, and do hard things.

4. Something I’m Working On or Excited About

What I’m Focusing on This December:

December has always been one of those months where everything feels like it’s happening at once—end-of-year deadlines, holiday plans, social gatherings, and trying to carve out time for myself. This December, I’m leaning into time blocking and energy management to help me stay grounded and intentional.

Here’s the thing: It’s not just about getting everything done. It’s about aligning tasks with the times of day when I have the most energy. For me, mornings are prime focus time, so I block out a couple of hours for deep work. Afternoons? That’s when I tackle lighter tasks or take a quick movement break. Evenings? Reserved for connection—with myself or others.

What’s making this work for me is understanding that not everything can have the same level of priority. I’m choosing three big rocks to focus on each week and letting the rest fall where it may. And when the overwhelm creeps in (because it always does!), I remind myself that I’m in control of my energy, not just my time.

This December, I’m setting boundaries with my calendar, being intentional with my commitments, and giving myself permission to slow down when needed. The goal? End the year feeling proud and energized—not burned out.

5. Podcast/Press/Upcoming Event

Podcast Guest: I was recently featured on The Twenty Something Podcast with Grace Pokela, where we explored building mental resilience and navigating the unique challenges of your 20s. We dove into actionable tips, personal growth, and the transitions that shape this transformative decade. You can listen to the episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube! It was such an inspiring and fun conversation—don’t miss it!
Click the link above to listen to the full episode.
Press: I’m honored to be featured in WERULE, a platform dedicated to empowering women to thrive in leadership, business, and beyond.
WERULE is committed to supporting female entrepreneurs and leaders by expanding our impact, sharing resources, and creating meaningful change in our communities. From mentorship to storytelling, they bring together powerful voices to educate, inspire, and support one another. In this article, I dive into the holistic approach at the core of Mentally Fit with Ellin, exploring how mental and physical wellness are essential to reaching your full potential.
I’m proud to be part of this incredible network of driven, passionate women creating positive change.
Click the link above to read the full article.
Event: Crafting Flavor: After Hours Club x Mentally Fit with Ellin
I’m so excited to announce a special collaboration with Riki Zahn, Founder of After Hours Club, and Miriam Street Food! Together, we’re hosting a one-of-a-kind dinner series centered around art, intention, mindfulness, and mindset shifts. This immersive evening will feature a multi-course dinner at Miriam Street Food, thoughtfully curated to explore the connection between nutrition, mental wellness, and creativity. I’ve worked closely with the chef to design a menu that nourishes both mind and body, creating a purposeful experience you won’t want to miss.
Save the Date: Sunday, January 12th
Early Bird Pricing Available: https://lu.ma/4d2xvrkb
Join us for an evening of inspiration, connection, and flavor!
Crafting Flavor: Mentally Fit with Ellin x After Hours Club

What You’ll Get from This Newsletter

Thank you for being here! In every issue, I’ll share strategies, insights, and tools designed for ambitious high achievers looking to elevate their mental game. You can expect actionable tips, coaching techniques, and real-life examples to help you stay Mentally Fit, no matter what challenges come your way.

I’d love to hear from you—what topics or questions are on your mind? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’m here to make this newsletter as valuable as possible for you!