Sprinting Through Life

Years ago, I decided to run a marathon. Within my training group, some of the runners were doing a "run/walk" method where they trained by running, but purposefully walked one minute of each mile. They planned to do this during the marathon too.  

What!? If you are running a marathon, why would you walk on purpose? I would certainly walk if I was so tired I couldn’t run another step, but walking on purpose? No. Way. I planned to run all 26.2 miles, even jogging through the water stops (while grabbing water and somehow drinking it while running?)  

And that’s exactly what I did. I ran the whole dang thing. It was pretty (totally) miserable, especially at the end. But I didn’t stop. You know why? 

 I was afraid that if I walked in order to rest, I’d never start again.  

I was afraid that I wouldn’t be seen as a “real runner” if I walked, even for a minute.

I was afraid walking was weak. 

This was a metaphor for my entire life. Run, as fast as possible. Do not slow down on purpose or for any reason at all. You will look like a fraud if you stop, everyone will know. 

Sigh . . . what an exhausting way to live!

Rest is an essential part of a calm life. Resting on purpose is what makes you strong and real and present. Life isn’t meant to be a marathon of non stop running, it’s meant to be some running, some walking, some water stops, and some admiring the scenery. 

Reach out to me if you are running a marathon and are afraid to slow down. I know how to help you create a calm life, and it would be my pleasure to do that with you.

❤

PS Just for the record, the walk/runners finished the marathon faster than I did, and probably had more fun doing it.