4 Thoughts from a Marathon Slowpoke*
A few weeks ago, I completed the Detroit Free Press Marathon. This was my first and something I continue to reflect upon. Four thoughts keep cycling through my mind from and everything leading to it…
Trust the Plan. There is no one way to do things - no one ‘right’. As we strive after our goals, trust the plan that was developed and see it through.
No One Runs Alone. As tempting as it might be to believe things are accomplished by individual effort, this is simply not true. We accomplished our goals through the encouragement and support of others throughout. We must also never overlook the hard work of countless folks who set the table for our success - the organizers, the infrastructures, the volunteers, the makers of our shoes and others. Each playing a vital role whether we realize it or not.
Nothing is Ideal - a mile is a mile is a mile. You may run, you may walk, or the weather may change. Forward movement is the key and as it provides the momentum to overcome whatever might be thrown at you. There is no way to fully prepare for every potential, other than to know something will occur and at that moment: stay in it, stay moving, stay engaged.
The Reward is Never What it Seems. There may be a medal or a congratulations at the finish but that’s not the real reward. In the end the reward for accomplishing it will be something unexpected for each of us - and the only way to know what it is, is to set out a goal and complete it.
*inspired by alxndr jones’ philosophy and running studio (@slow_poke_co) to reclaim term and point it towards intentionality and purpose.