A year ago I ran a fairly quick 1/2 marathon, at least it was faster for me. Then I chose to take a year off from longer distance (marathons, 1/2 marathons) to work on shorter distance stuff. I had decided that there was really no added health benefit to running 12 miles or 26 miles or whatever miles. So why not just focus on trying to get faster at shorter distances?
It sounded like a sound plan. The only problem with that is I forget how much I enjoy running longer distances. I enjoy the long runs early in the morning when it’s still dark outside. I enjoy the peace and quiet of running alone. I prefer training for ½ marathons and full marathons more than 5 and 10k’s. I just flat out enjoy running for longer amounts of time and that is what I plan to do.
So, what if running longer distances isn’t good for you or good for your health? I’m still going to do it, because I love it. I meet people in my office every day that force themselves to go to the local gym every day. They hop on the elliptical. They use the weight machines. They do all those things, and absolutely hate it. One of goals it to always encourage people to find activities they love. Do something you enjoy and you will probably keep doing it. I tell people this on a daily basis, but somehow I forgot to follow my own rule. But now I’m ready to come correct and get back to what I love.
A few weeks ago I started increasing my running miles, and around the time I stumbled upon an awesome book that fueled my running desire even more. The book was written by Rich Roll and it’s called Finding Ultra. The book outlines Rich’s journey from a middle aged overweight attorney to the life of a health promoting ultra-distance athlete. At the age of 40, Rich not only competed in, but finished the Ultraman competition in Hawaii as the top American. Just so you know, the Ultraman is like the Ironman competition, but longer and harder. Imagine swimming 6.2 miles in the ocean, biking for 261.4 miles, and then finishing with a 52.4 mile run. That’s Ultraman.
For me, it was truly inspiring to read about a 40 year old dude who was able to compete at such a high level after spending so many years as an overweight couch potato. The book also takes us through Rich’s battle with alcoholism as well as his shift to a vegan diet. Very cool read, and if you need some extra motivation, pick it up.
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