16/10/2023 Long term vs Short Term
The long-term vision is the lighthouse guiding me through the mist of my aspirations.
Reaching the summit of mount Kosci, running with strength at the best of my capabilities while maintaining internal peace, is what keeps the fire in my belly burning. But the short-term execution is the practical side of my dreams. It's about taking one step at a time, day by day, with no room for excuses or complaints—just relentless action. What I cherish most about the communities built around sports is the self-imposed accountability. Whether it's in the world of running, cycling, swimming, weightlifting, golfing, or any other pursuit, there comes a moment when you no longer need a nudge to get out there and train. In fact, it's quite the opposite. You eagerly embrace the challenge. For me, this is an intentional grasp at life and passion. Through actions, we reveal and express our true priorities and beliefs.
13/10/2023 Extreme ownership
The things I think about when running..
You truly become a man when you wholeheartedly embrace ownership of the person you are, the decisions you make, the words you speak, and the beliefs you hold, even to the most profound extent. This transformation isn't always easy because it requires you to let go of the opinions of others that may have had a hold on you, and to reexamine the framework you've grown up with, a framework that's often deeply ingrained in your life and your perception of the world. It's a challenging and uncomfortable process. It sucks really. But it's a crucial step in recognizing that you are enough. You can define your own authentic values and ultimately set yourself free.
5/10/2023 The power of now
"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle delves into the idea of living in the present moment, shedding the burdens of the past and anxieties about the future. It emphasizes the profound peace and enlightenment that can be found by fully immersing oneself in the 'now.' It's not a light read—or listen, in my case. I've been at it for 6 months now, as most of the concepts expressed cause internal churn and turmoil of emotions.
Luckily for me, running provides an ideal platform to practice "the power of now." Even before tackling this book, I was aware that running served as my moving meditation, a chance to experience the present moment in all its raw, unfiltered beauty—mainly because the mental chatter and clutter automatically turn off after a few hours! This book has helped me understand why that is important and appreciate the many unreal structures my mind puts in place. This morning, perhaps affected by the lack of coffee, catching myself was easier than usual. I celebrate this little victory and also wonder, what if I could run like this during long races? To what extent would that silence the perception of discomfort, fatigue, cold, heat, hunger, thirst, ...
4/10/2023 Downhill running
Downhill running training is my favourite method for improving running form and enhancing performance. It's often underrated, but when executed correctly, it acts as a "shortcut" to becoming a stronger, faster, and more efficient runner. Plus, it boosts my confidence.
Downhill running is all about form. It compels you to maintain balance, adopt the right posture, increase your leg turnover speed, and consequently, elevate your cadence. Your stride length naturally extends as well. When everything aligns just right, for those few precious seconds, I feel like Eliud Kipchoge. And it makes all the hard work absolutely worthwhile. 29/9/2023 Gratitude
Sometimes, I stumble upon these quirks about myself – you know, those thoughts, behaviors, and the stories we tell ourselves that just make you chuckle.
Now, here's something I've been thinking about today: the art of being truly grateful. It's funny how I struggle with it. Today, after what I can only describe as a "perfect day," I found hard to be happy and grateful about it. It occoured to me that I associate gratitude with weakness in some strange way. Like, if I acknowledge and genuinely appreciate something I've contributed to or been lucky enough to receive, it might somehow sap my strength or desire to keep pushing for improvement. It's almost like I've convinced myself that these two things are mutually exclusive. What's truly incompatible with my struggle to embrace gratitude as an emotion, is the pure joy and appreciation of my days. I'm still putting in the hard work in everything I do because there is no other way, and if anything, being grateful can be the reward for all that effort. I've got a pretty good idea where this mindset comes from, and this little revelation is helping me unwrap it. My running journey has already been a transformative force in my life, shaping me for the better. Maybe it's time to embark on a new chapter – a "gratitude running meditation practice" – and see where it takes me. |
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