Motivational Speech

It's easy to understand that distance running involves a lot of motivation. Runners, we just kind of do our thing and oftentimes don't think about what specifically drives us. However, every so often you see it expressed in written form, and done beautifully! Recently I noticed two examples that I'd like to share that kind of blew my mind. Good stuff in my opinion especially on New Years Day when many are thinking about ambitious goals.

The first is about the marathon specifically. I received the book 50/50 by Dean Karnazes (amazon.com link) from my wife Danielle for Christmas. The author (a rock star of ultra distance running) describes his experience running alongside another runner who persevered to complete her first marathon (one of 50 marathons Dean K finished over 50 consecutive days in 50 separate states).

 "The marathon mercilessly rips off the outer layers of our defenses and leaves the raw human, vulnerable and naked.  It is here you get an honest glimpse into the soul of an individual. Every insecurity and character flaw is open and on display for all the world to see. No communication is ever more real, no expression ever more honest. There is nothing left to hide behind. The marathon is the great equalizer. Every movement, every word spoken and unspoken, is radiant truth. The veil has been obliterated." 

Ok, now my reaction to the above -- I guess I've signed up for a little more than I can handle! We'll see.

Second, and applicable to running or whatever else you want, is this comment by Nate Jenkins in his own Running Times Blog. He explains why he hasn't quit even in the face of difficulty:

"No Quit" in Nate Jenkins - see 3rd paragraph of his comment

I learned about Nate at a road race we both competed in last year (Oct. 2010) and have followed his blog in the meantime. Of course if I were a better student of running I would have heard of him sooner based on his considerable accomplishments. It turns out we train on some of the same roadways so that is also interesting to me.

Anyway, enjoy the reading and think about how it applies to your own passions & pursuits. And... Happy New Year!