“That’s Crazy” a look into breaking down and going after your version of crazy.
I was just trying to break back into a post I have been back and forth with for the past 2 weeks and then the idea of running really far / long came to my head. Now, last week we covered some ideas around fuel for this topic but we never touched on the steps mentally and physically it takes to get there.
While comparison has been called the thief of joy I find it interesting to look at it from a different perspective. The idea of running really far can have a variety of context and levels of craziness depending on who you’re chatting with.
While out running and going further then I have gone before its important to remember I’m choosing to do this. That, and the fact If it does not work out nobody gives a shit and we can take the feedback and try again.
From what I’ve seen and this is a pretty hot take but an idea that you can think about.
There is a whole part of ultra running ( typically trail and 50km + ) that once you enter (especially the races that take 24 hours plus ) I feel like you really need to lean into a WHY. This can apply for literally whatever distance you desire. This not only helps push you in the training leading up but when the going gets tough. Something greater than yourself. I think those that have battled various addictions and any sort of life circumstances that were not chosen have the ability to battle through a pain that they are actively taking part in.
Here is a great documentary on Max Jolliffe and his attempt at the Moab 240 (miles).
This is a great showcase on the common thread in running that we can also relate to. The feeling of going that little bit further or pushing your potential spreads from your first 5 km all the way to the moon. Give it a watch.
I think each time I have ran further then I have before I learned so much about what it would take to go a step further. This is where comparison comes into play. If you actually know someone and can connect on a human level not just behind a screen, you just might be able to humanize them a bit more. My head goes “ I know what so and so had for breakfast, they slept like shit and rolled their ankle last week .“ If they can do it so can I. Or you can compare yourself to the guy who can run 5 km in 15 minutes and cry knowing you are a lesser athlete. The problem with social media is that most of the time it skips the hard falls and moments in the dark to achieve such a goal. Think about where YOU started and try to improve upon that.
The whole idea of “that’s crazy” is so personal. I’m going to make some bullet points of what I have learned through attempting to run a bit further in hopes you might be able to go a little more next time you need to.
GRATITUDE
The simple idea that we are able bodied and in a position to choose to go for a run.
NO FAILURE / JUST FEEDBACK
If you consider it all feedback, then the only dis- service and failure would be to have never tried at all.
GET BACK WHAT YA PUT IN
Running is a mirror. It’s the work you put in when nobody is watching that counts on the big day. Do the monotonous gym stuff, go to bed early, run slower, push yourself on those speed sessions.
It all comes into play when game time comes.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
The run club has inspired me in so many ways. My motivation and stoke comes from seeing people achieve their “impossible” . To see potential be painted in front of me countless times and the connection that brings to strangers will keep me coming back time after time.
YOUR CIRCLE
Surround yourself with those that are where you want to be. Or at least on the way. My favorite quote from a friend in Nicaragua “ doers gonna do, ainters gonna ain’t”
Spend time with the DOERS.
NOW
Take what you have now and do the best you can. Don’t wait for the new shoes, the faster sunglasses, the updated watch. Set your goals, break them down into bite sized chunks and do the work!
THE WHY
This will help you when you don’t want to train that day or if you get off course on the way to your goal. It could be monetary, it could be to make yourself proud, or as a simple way of leveling up in life. Lean on this why when it gets tough.
ORRRRR. You can just be content with running 5km twice a week with your mates and not worrying about any of this. You do you. Hope you can take something from this. See ya at run club
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