Sunday, March 16, 2008

Simple Perseverance

ORN: Saturday; 14.0 miles, 2:19:20, R5/W1, 9:58/mile

One of the joys of running, to me, is when a long run is unremarkable. Such simple joy happened yesterday. The schedule called for 14 miles. I ran 14. The miles were steady, I finished strong (running the last 1.3 miles, at a 9:24 pace) and could have gone longer. And it really wasn’t a big deal. Even the wind, overcast skies, and 42 degree drizzle didn’t matter. I just ran.

Which brings me to a fascinating blog post by my favorite marketing writer, Seth Godin. Here it is in its entirety:
Persistence isn't using the same tactics over and over. That's just annoying.
Persistence is having the same goal over and over.

Running teaches this. More specifically, running injuries teach this. I had some major issues with this in both early and late 2007. Right now, blogging buddies Sarah and Darrell both would love to have consistent unremarkable runs. And they will. Yet, they are both assessing their tactics to get there. The goal is consistent…the method is fluid.

And one of the cool things about blogging is telling and reading stories. We have much to learn from each other.

Persevere. On remarkable and unremarkable days.

11 comments:

Wes said...

Just to tweak further thought on the matter... What does one do when one reaches the goal?

Joe said...

Another beauty of running or any endurance sport, Wes.

You set another goal.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, one of the cool things about blogging is the community.

Sarah said...

Thanks for the new perspective, Joe! I was starting to get a bit down because some different things I tried weren't working. But keeping my eye on the goal, I'll get there eventually. Here's to unremarkable runs! : )

Mary Gee said...

Oh yes, that run sounds heavenly to me!

Bob A said...

When you reach one goal, set another.

Good post, Joe. Persistence and perseverance pay off in running, in relationships, in pursuit of holiness, in work -- in all of life.

Bob

John said...

Great post, Joe! My Sunburst goal has kept me running since January 1st. It got me out for another 11 on Saturday.

Backofpack said...

That is a great quote, but I think I like yours even better:

"the goal is consistant, the method is fluid"

That's perfect! And the encouragement to Sarah and Darrell is perfect. Thanks Joe, for a great post that puts it all in perspective.

Journey to a Centum said...

I think taking your last breath while thinking about your next goal sums up a life well lived. In other words, there is no finish line. Got that Wes?

Joe - I think I'll do a stand alone post on Rob's cinnamon roll later in the week. He took about 3/4 of it home after he ate as much as he could then shared with some others at the breakfast table.

Very inspirational post. I'll have to remember this one in case I come up lame. I hate the recovery process and feeling totally out of shape again. It seems you never really appreciate the shape you are in until you lose it. I'm glad you had a great run!

IronWaddler said...

Great post Joe. Some of the best runs are the unremarkable ones.

Darrell said...

I enjoyed over 4 years of filled with a lot of unremarkable runs. The goal hasn't changed, just the path to get there.