Take the Hard Road

This morning I got out of the shower and looked down at my feet. They have seen better days. Two of my toe nails are purple, the bottom of my feet are callused, worn and healing from blisters. My feet have propelled me through four marathons so far this year. Each duel with the road has been long, hard and painful.

I know that my feet are unsightly. I know that the marathon I am running next weekend (NYC Marathon) will likely spawn another purple toe. I don’t care. My feet are my battle scars, a visual reminder that I can overcome any challenge and a testament to my way of life. They inspire me to push myself harder and commit to doing the things that others can’t or won’t do.

Uncharted Territory

Life is full of decisions. Many times those decisions are between a low risk, low resistance, “easy” road and a higher risk, more difficult road. Too often we choose the easy road because the hard road is….well…hard. The hard road is uncharted. It is full of unknowns, seems too far out of reach and requires true commitment over the long haul.

Come to think of it the hard road is not much of a road at all. It’s not paved because so few people take it. It’s more like a faint path straight into a dark forest. The question is are you strong enough to make it through to the other side.

Your Decisions Inspire Others

I could jazzercise instead of running marathons. IZEA could sell display ads instead of battling to mainstream sponsored conversations. But what’s the point? Where is the challenge? Who cares?

I say “I just finished jazzercising.”
You say “Nice leotard.”

I say “I just finished a marathon.”
You say “That is incredible. I am going to start exercising again.”

I run for me. I do it to challenge myself and stay healthy. While my decision to take the hard road was totally personal I also know that my story has motivated many of you to start exercising. By taking the hard road you can inspire others to do the same. Soon, all of us are setting a higher bar for each other and the world is a more productive place.

Go for it

It’s time to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. It’s time to achieve something you never thought you could. You can do it….take the hard road.