Rarefied Air?
A bit reluctantly I informed my brother and virtual training partner last week that I was no longer going to train for a Boston Marathon qualifier in Tucson this December. I then deleted Strava from my iPhone and reached out to my running coach to let her know I needed to adjust my training plan to run “at my pace and my distance" - and not according to the goal of qualification.
Like you, I'm driven to constantly self-improve and hit goals. So, this initially felt very backward - almost cowardly - or at least suspect. But, my drive to reconnect with my real passion and reason for running solidified my decision.
What I really love about running is getting out super early in the morning (I like to go when it's still dark outside so no one thinks I'm a lunatic for talking out-loud to myself) so that I can meditate, think, pray, examine, question, debate, make plans -- and decide. My morning runs lead to clarity, purpose, determination, and ideas - and those next vital steps that lead to success. It's not that I don't appreciate the other more obvious benefits of running - they just aren't why "I've got to run".
We know the quote. "The unexamined life is not worth living" (Socrates) For me, running is my time to examine. And, I don't need any distractions while I'm doing it.
Qualifying for Boston was something shiny. Something cool. It was a chance - at least in my mind - for an average athlete like me to join some rarefied air. But, after meditating, thinking, praying, examining, questioning...it lost it's luster.
Similarly, at work, examinations are taking place. I’m leading a number of courageous employees through a voluntary and very intentional process called, Life By Design. We’re wrestling with some of the toughest questions we can ask ourselves - because we know that our answers can only be as good as our questions. So, we’re asking life altering ones. Walking this journey has caused me to course correct and realign with some priorities that really matter to me...and, among other things, to stop training for Boston.
What are you chasing that’s shiny or cool or that might usher you into "rarefied air” but doesn't really connect with your real passion and reason?
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Best.
I love this, Dan. I will take some time today to consider it.
Great insight! It’s easy to be distracted by the shiny. In an effort to better ourselves, funny as it is, we can begin to lose sight of who we are. Sometimes, the drive for bigger or better is more about insecurities. We believe the enemies lie that we are “less than” and we seek to better ourselves somehow becoming worthy. Sometimes a step back is more growth and maturity than a step toward another shiny object.
Great article, Dan! Thanks for sharing your perspective. You're right. Staying focused can be challenging, with all the noise and distractions around us. Excited to hear more about your project Life By Design.
Thanks much Dan for sharing. Love how you separated the action from the intention to focus on the core. Beautiful lesson. Keep em coming!!