Runningmonkeys

As runners we have aims.  There are various levels of aims, from the aim of a particular session, to the aim of a season, and from the aim of a training phase to the aim of a lifestyle.  Each of these aims requires a journey.  For some the journey can be measured in minutes, for others it can be measured in years or decades.

If we focus on the destination of the journey, only, then we risk missing out on a whole lot that running has to offer.  We can get as much, or more, satisfaction out of the journey than we can out of any destination.  This is simply because the journey contains more “life”.  It is usually longer, it usually requires more sacrifice, it usually stretches us more thoroughly and it requires more discipline and commitment.  If we are able to successfully travel an excellent journey, then we can enjoy a sense of satisfaction regardless of the destination outcome. 

This change of focus removes the stress and undesirable pressure and frees us to be able to perform at our best when we reach the destination.  A classic double winner.  Value the perfect  journey and let the perfect destination look after itself, and it probably will.

Maybe we should consider our running like a road trip.  The best road trips are great because every step along the way is worth as much as the actual destination.  You head out on a road trip because you know that on the road you will have adventures, see new things, meet people, and genuinely enjoy the travel.

Here is something to think about today. 

Do you consider a perfect season of preparation a waste if your peak performance doesn’t happen as you hoped it would?  If so, do you think you may have underestimated the value of the journey itself?