This morning I had planned a 20 mile run as part of my marathon training program. As I sat on the floor and stretched my legs I started preparing myself mentally for the road ahead. I began to question the goal I had set for today’s run. I knew I could run 20 miles, the real question is can I push myself 10% harder and run 22? With that in mind I set out to run the longest distance I have ever run.
At 20 miles I was exhausted. I felt like I could collapse at any moment. I thought about stopping… 20 miles was my original goal, why should I keep going? But the little voice inside of me knew I wanted more, I knew I could do it if I put my mind to it. The next two miles were the hardest two miles I have ever run. Each step felt like my knees might explode, my entire body throbbed in pain.
I pushed through it all… dry heaving as I crossed the 22 mile mark. I smiled as I bent over in agony, I had accomplished more than I set out to achieve this morning. In retrospect that extra 10% of effort is what I am most proud of. Keep the other 20 miles, the last two is what made this run so special; they were harder than the previous 20 combined.
Goals are great, but don’t let your own goals limit your performance. The real race starts when you reach your goal and is measured by how far you exceed it. The extra 10% is well worth the effort.
Congratulations. The extra 10% really does make all the difference!
An inspiration, as ever. Great job Ted.
There is no way I could run 5 miles let alone 22! Great job and well worth the extra 10%
I played sports all my life. Traveled the country playing junior Olympic volleyball. But when the dry heaving starts. I quit.
Great job. Unfortunately (or fortunately, considering my dislike for pain and anguish) I don’t think I’ll ever be in that particular mindset where the extra 10% is worth it.
Inspiring post Ted, and congratulations on pushing further.
Goals are interesting and important things. So many companies I’ve worked with take the approach of setting easily achievable and therefore uninspiring goals. The thinking is that this is the safe thing to do in order to ensure that nobody is disappointed or discouraged. In my experience these types of goals always result in the worst kind of failure – an apathetic, overly cautious and often demoralized team. People like big goals. People want to be challenged and they desperately want that great feeling of accomplishment that comes with doing something you didn’t think you could.
@corrin:
“But when the dry heaving starts. I quit.” I can understand that. Not everyone likes to hack their brains out. In high school I used to puke after almost every race. It’s not for everybody 🙂
However, I think that this concept extends beyond physical activity. I am sure you have goals at work or home, I wonder if there is a measurable way to give that extra 10% in other activities.
congratulations, bro…I’m proud of you! Maybe if I can get my old bones whipped back into shape I can try to catch you. btw, you burned off the calories in 15 Krispy Kremes!
That’s an amazing feat! Congratulations on pushing yourself just a tiny bit more!
Wow Ted, that is truly amazing. Have you always been a runner?
wow! that is indeed an achievement….i doubt if i can do it though…
Holy smoly! 22 miles? You are a marathonator! Good on you for beating your previous best.
Wow Ted! I’m impressed. Way to push yourself. Goals are very important to strive towards and you made yours and then spat on it. ;D I hope I can do the same once I get my equipment. 😀 I will keep you updated!
That’s great. Personally, I don’t run in the cold, so I never get my total miles up very high because I’m always restarting again when it warms up.
That said they do make drugs that will give you the same high as the endorphins without half the effort. 😉
See you in Vegas! (your not jogging out here like Forest Gump are you?)
Ted,
You’re a great photographer dude. This is something that most do not realize but making photos like you post to your blog is certainly an art. Congrats on all your accomplishments!