🎙️ Podcast Episode: “The Season That Seems Small”
From the Running to Myself Podcast
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Hey friends, welcome back to Running to Myself—the podcast where we connect the miles we run to the moments in life that shape us. I’m Trisha Stanton, and I’m so glad you’re here.
This episode is for anyone who feels like the work you’re doing right now—the season you’re in—isn’t making a difference. It’s for the ones showing up day after day in roles that feel ordinary, repetitive, maybe even invisible.
If that’s you, this episode is a gentle reminder: what you're doing matters more than you think.
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Most of my running life has been made up of short, daily runs. Nothing spectacular. No race bibs or cheering crowds. Just steady movement, day after day.
Sure, there were long runs, speed days, and big races along the way. But the real foundation—the thing that made those big moments possible—was the small, consistent runs.
The ones I could’ve easily skipped.
The ones that didn’t seem like they were doing much at all.
But they were doing everything.
Without those quiet miles, my body wouldn’t have been conditioned for the harder ones. The fast runs would have burned me out. The races might have broken me.
And I’ve seen this over and over with runners I’ve coached. Especially those training for something they’ve never done before—like their first marathon.
They often believed that as long as they completed the weekly long run, they were good.
But that’s not how progress works.
Without the mid-week runs—without the base-building—your body isn’t equipped to handle the load.
Skipping the short runs might save time in the moment, but it can cost you big when it matters most.
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And that got me thinking…
There are so many times in life when we find ourselves in the middle of a season that feels… small.
Repetitive. Behind the scenes.
Like everything you’re doing is “just” something—
“Just” another day at work.
“Just” another load of laundry.
“Just” one more doctor’s appointment.
But those moments?
They are your daily miles.
They are strengthening you. Preparing you.
Building something in you that you may not fully see—yet.
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Maybe you’re a parent deep in the carpool years.
Your day is measured in school pickups, snack bags, and bedtime routines.
You wonder if any of it counts toward something bigger.
Or maybe you're a caregiver, showing up day after day for a sick loved one.
Your world is narrowed to logistics and emotions, and some days you question if you're doing enough.
Maybe you’re in a support role at work or in your community—holding things together behind the scenes while others get the spotlight.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this enough?”
If you’ve ever questioned whether what you're doing is making a difference—
This is for you.
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Your work matters.
Your effort matters.
The “small” things you’re doing today are laying the foundation for tomorrow.
You are not behind.
You’re building something beautiful—quietly, patiently, one day at a time.
You don’t need a stage or a spotlight to prove your worth.
And you don’t need to rush past this season to get to the “real” stuff.
This is the real stuff.
And maybe—just maybe—this is the very season shaping you for what’s next.
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Take a breath, and ask yourself:
* What are the “small” things I’ve been discounting?
* How might those things be strengthening me in ways I can’t yet see?
* What would change if I believed that this season matters, just as it is?
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Some people call it growth. Some call it preparation.
Some see a bigger story being written in the background of everyday life.
Whatever your belief system, I invite you to consider:
What if none of this is wasted?
What if you’re being equipped—purposefully and personally—for something meaningful?
There’s no rush.
No test to pass.
Just a steady invitation to show up and trust the process.
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So whether you’re training for a race, raising kids, caring for someone you love, or simply navigating your own quiet season—
Please hear this:
You’re not just getting through the day.
You’re building something.
Your daily miles matter.
Your presence matters.
Your story is unfolding—even if today looks like routine.
Keep going.
Keep showing up.
The long run is coming—but you’re getting ready for it right now.
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If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify?
It helps more people find these conversations—and feel a little less alone in their journey.
And if you’re curious about how coaching could support you in your current season, I’d love to talk.
You can book a free consultation at trishastanton.com.
Until next time, keep taking those steps—big and small.
And remember: Mindset matters.
