A couple of weeks ago, I ran a half marathon and managed to cross the finish line in one piece. That was pretty much my goal — finish the race in one piece and hopefully in less than 24 hours.
I managed to do both.
The run was no easy task, especially for someone that considers himself a non-runner. But I did train for the race and although I didn't do as well as I did in my practice runs, I didn't do badly.
I'm looking to do at least one more 13 mile race and then on to hopefully a full marathon.
Progress continues!
As a boxer, running (or roadwork) has always been a part of my regular training. But running 13 miles is much different than hitting a heavy bag a few times. Both good, just different.
I have almost no memory of the race. I was caught up with the music in my headset, my hydration and the people around me. As long as I could keep up with them, everything would just take care of itself. In fact, it seemed to me that the 2 hours or so just flew by.
The two things I remember during the race is slapping a cup of water out of a volunteer's hand (I always wanted to do that!) and slowing my pace to a walk while speaking with a couple that had been running together. This was as we hit our 12th mile.
In fact, I said hello as we found ourselves suddenly walking. I checked to see if they felt alright and the woman responded with, "What are we doing on a perfectly good Sunday morning? Shouldn't we all be on a balcony somewhere sipping coffee over a newspaper?" I responded with, "No doubt. We are very stupid people." As we chuckled, I said, "How about we race for this last mile and finish strong?"
We high fived and we did!
How many times do you NOT take a much needed breather in the final lap of your race to finish strong? To reassess, regroup, reboot, strategize, inhale and take that mountain!
That race might be your business, practice, job, job search, family life, social life, sense of adventure, professional development, fitness goals, quality of life or personal relationships.
As it relates to business or work, you're in the final lap — the last quarter of the year.
What areas of your business or practice could you be making adjustments to cross the finish line in full stride?
