View of Franconia Ridge from North KinsmanI've had a lot of time in the last couple of weeks to think about my life and running and how they're intertwined. I've spent the last 12+ years as a runner, and it has consumed a good amount of my effort and time. Running has given me so much over the years and made me a better person. It has had it's ups and downs, but its always been something I've come back to as it is something that I truly enjoy doing. At times I have taken my running too seriously, to the point that when races haven't gone the way I had hoped, I completely shut down. My motivation to train goes into the toilet and so does my motivation to do just about anything else. When you expend so much time and effort on a goal and you don't meet it, it can really drag you down.
I've had a hard time getting the motivation back since running the Bay State Marathon, but it hasn't been all bad. I've been able to focus on all the other great things I have in my life like my wife, my family, working on our condo and moving along with a career that I really enjoy. I live and work in a beautiful area and get to experience it on a daily basis. I'm a pretty lucky dude.
The motivation will come back. I'm not going to force it. Running and competing are not always easy, but when you're having fun it makes running in the dark before work or snowshoeing through four foot snow drifts on the side of a mountain a lot easier. It will come back, it always does.
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteWay to keep things in proper perspective. Look to alll things in life and take it one day at a time. You will always find the inner strength to take on the next battle because of your ability to endure hard training. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.