Some days, I find myself searching for my purpose with running. Its been tough recently with the increased levels of training, overcoming a groin injury, and not always feeling 80%, let alone 100%. But I find that the more I surround myself with positive people who have a unique outlook on life, the more I am able to draw upon my own experiences and help figure out what I’m truly trying to accomplish.

This morning I had intended on going for a short 3 mile run. It was a really nice day and I hadn’t been to the beach in a while so I started extending my run not really sure exactly how far I would go. I didn’t put my watch on so I didn’t know the exact time but I knew how far it was to the beach. I continued down to Ocean Ave and Alta and went to the railing of the cliff that looks over the Santa Monica beach north of the pier. No clouds, no wind, flat ocean. I was at peace. But while doing some dynamic stretching, I just kept thinking about the hundreds of runners this past weekend at the DI, DII, and DIII cross country nationals and how I am planning on competing with a lot of them this upcoming track season.

It’s intimidating because I am outside of that collegiate bubble that they live in. And some of them, at the DI level, are some of the fastest runners in the nation. Obviously, not all of them all steeple chasers but they all still have that drive to win. The drive that I thought I still had. It made me question my ability. It made me wonder if I’m good enough. Tons of these thoughts running through my head. Negativity after negativity. So I stopped thinking and smiled. I smiled because I felt that sensation of blood moving through my tired legs. Blood being pumped all the way from my heart. The heart that represents all my hard work, the patience and persistence with workouts, bad races, the “don’t wanna get out of bed” days, the failures, the miles. The same heart that continues beating after my last interval in the workout where I literally can’t take another step. All of my goals, my aspirations, my dreams can be made possible by that sensation. In the end, it gave me more fuel for my passion and for my unwritten future.

I ended up going about 9 miles and felt pretty good. I knew this afternoon would be light so I wasn’t too worried about going a little longer this morning. I have all day Wednesday to recover and prepare for Thursday mornings’ race.

Practice was a little over 3 miles. Smooth run on San Vicente with Tony as we wondered why Coach picked the little things to yell at us about. When we got back to the meeting spot and did our striders, I was forced to smile again. Gunner, an 83 year old world record holder for the Masters Division in the 2000m Steeplechase, was being yelled at by Coach for the same reasons as we were. Gunner smiled at me as he started his striders. He told me afterwards that although his times are getting slower with age, he is faster comparatively and that he looks forward to setting a new world record. In the meantime, he is reading about particle physics. The guy is incredible. He comes to practice to workout. He clearly still gets some enjoyment out of running but the fact that he continues to push himself to his limits makes me wonder if he has any.

It’s days like these that I know I right where I need to be. To have a coach that isn’t putting up with the trivial crap that plague many teams and focus on the important aspects to running fast is awesome. To know that he does not want you doing anything he doesn’t tell you to, that he doesn’t want to see you if you’re injured, and to be prepared everyday for whatever he gives as the workout is exactly the guidance I need to get me to the next level. I think it takes a combination of factors to be a successful runner. I have some ability as a runner, I am taking advantage of an opportunity, I find innate ways to motivate myself even on the worst of days and I have direction from a guy who has higher expectations for me than I do. Believing in yourself is critical but having people work with you because they believe in you too is a remarkable feeling. I may have some days where my feelings change but who doesn’t. The original goals that I set, I still plan to accomplish them.

I don’t know what your goals are. But I hope you set them just far enough out of reach where they seem unrealistic. This is important because if you truly want to accomplish them, you will go that extra mile, above and beyond your own expectations of yourself, and make them realistic. Listen to your body and to your mind in order to get what you want. Don’t be afraid of guidance and family is key. Life is too short to have regrets. Always Remember. Never Forget. No Regrets.

Wore the shirt today…maybe that’s why I was feeling motivated. We Are One 365.

Nick

The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself.
—Wallace Wattles