In My Dreams I Am a Kenyan
Posted on December 2, 2010
My friend and I enjoyed the Talking Turkey road race last Saturday – 6 miles around the reservoir – a location so lovely, forgiving and familiar I count it among my best friends. I’ve run that course a hundred times and was excited to post a personal best that day – even with the crazy wind blowing off the water. Well guess what? It was my slowest run ever and a personal best at the same time! It’s true. I stayed with my pal and enjoyed a nice walk/jog around the water and through the woods – and remembered how far 6 miles can seem when it is ahead of you. Cindy persisted despite inexperience and not-inconsequential leg pain…she powered through to the finish – and we enjoyed the hops fruits of our labor at the after party. Friendship, fitness, fun – hence, a personal best.
There was a moment there when I thought she might quit. I know that moment well, as I’ve expereinced it often. But if you’ve ever read a T-shirt at a road race classic novel or historical oration, you know that Pain is Temporary but Quitting is Forever. In the words of Winston Churchill, “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever quit.” Sure, you might experience a setback but that is not quitting. In her case, the pain was a reminder that she needed to train and prepare better for the next event. For others it may be feedback that you might need to come up with additional coping strategies. A setback doesn’t require that you quit your objective. Dust yourself off and get back to it.
We may have left the Thanksgiving Holiday behind us, don’t leave the act of thanksgiving behind too. If you can’t think of anything to be really, truly thankful for (really??) then at least be thankful for a fresh start every day. A chance to dust off and get back in. Fresh starts…New Year’s resolutions…yep – I’m jumping ahead, quickly past the egg nog and headed straight to the champagne. We all know New Year’s resolutions start off strong. It’s the pain vs. pleasure principle. The truly committed person is either ready to start avoiding something (avoid pain) (e.g. undoing the top button of your pants, buying the dreaded “even-larger-size” clothing, or getting out of breath unloading the groceries or walking to your car) or inspired to experience additional pleasure (e.g. how it will feel to be slim or wear your favorite outfit or take all the groceries in one trip).
Happy New Year – today. Now. Why wait? Figure out your Most Important WHATs and WHYs and practice them now – don’t wait until January. If the first step is awareness, the second step is action. No matter what you decide, remember our old friend Winston – “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever quit.” Make a mistake, ok. Change the plan, ok. Pause, reflect, refine, ok. Just don’t quit.
Dig deep my friend! It will be worth it in the long run.
Winston C is one of my favorite historical figures. Even got to visit his home in England, south of London. Anyways, he must have had Marine Corps Mom’s in mind as examples of non-quiters when he made his statement.
Wow! cut to the chase, straight to the champagne to the resolutions. I won’t think about it, I’ll do it, starting today.