The Chicago Marathon begins in 160 days. Today, I ran for the first time since I left for the Smoky Mountains three weeks ago. Unlike last year, the marathon and health will be only one of two major priorities. No longer will I run multiple rat races at one time.
I fall short on my goals because I take on too much at one time. It results in a downward spiral. Each part of my life fell like dominoes. I falter in one area and the others followed. This year will be different. This year, I’m doing things on my own terms.
Running gives me a sense of freedom and independence, being liberated from the pressures in life, and helps me show myself some love. It maintains the focus I need to get through the day. It allows me to let go of the excess baggage in my life. For that brief moment, I feel reconnected to myself. I feel lighter after each run. My goal this year is consistency. Running and I have a funny relationship. Running feel great during and after a run. Stepping out the door and training in isolation is the hardest thing I can do.
I pushed too hard at school and it beat me hard. It rarely gave me positive energy. I’m not happy with myself or my progress. I decided to cut back so I can work and develop myself in other more important area. It’s important that I create a good personal foundation to build on top of. School is not part of that foundation. Rediscovering and connecting with myself is. Although knowledge is power, the pursuit of power may result in grim consequences. School has been downgraded on my priority list. People in my life will not be pleased with this decision but this will make me happier and I’ll be at peace with myself.
Thankfully, I enjoy the environment I work at. Unfortunately, the cash flow is bad. It has become one of my burdens. I need to increase my cash flow without sacrificing my flexibility and relying on on stream. Focusing on one stream of income caused my undoing many times. I need the flexibility to pursue my interests and carve time out of my day to train. The other streams of cash has to be related to my interests so I can create momentum behind it. I have a lot of ideas. I just need like minded people to work on it with me.
I already planned post Chicago Marathon goals. I started drifting aimlessly because I didn’t have any solid goals after the marathon. In fact, my plans extend to next Spring. They include a few short races.
These changes will make me a better person and a better runner. What can you do in your life to make it a little better?