Regular Hard Work

Phil and his running partner Sierra.

Phillip J. Kriss, D.C. of Kriss Chiropractic

This season’s events are rapidly approaching and according to what I see on Strava and other recording devices, training for the upcoming events is almost in full swing. 

More people are showing up more for training events, staying longer and working harder. No longer are they on “maintenance plans” doing the same thing each week as a routine. 

Which reminds me that there are no shortcuts to success. 

It is hard work to build up to racing fitness and also hard to get back to racing fitness. 

Seems to me those with the most success in both speed and distance are doing it incrementally and according to a plan. 

So, here’s the thing....It’s uncomfortable! But it also does yield benefits, usually to the degree of uncomfortable!

I recently had the privilege of running a 5k race with a kid. She had the option of slacking the whole day or giving a go at a PR or at least a solid performance. She chose to go for it.

The mile by mile plan was laid out, and what I heard was “I don’t know if I can do that...”

Mile one, the complaining starts. Half way, feeling like roadkill. Mile 2, the last mile may as well have been a marathon. Doubt sets in. Half a mile to go with the end in sight, and she pours on the coals to run a new PR!

After a few steps, she was as if she had not ran at all and was basking in the glory of her achievement and all smiles over the thrill of victory!

I had to ask myself how does that flip happen from deep complaining and doubt to glory and smiling for pictures?

It all about the mindset combined with a willingness to hang in there and pay the necessary price. Even better if there is someone pushing you. 

What is it you want to accomplish? What do you need to do to make it happen? What thoughts, ideas and mindsets do you need to work on that are your enemies? It may be something you need to do or not do. You probably already know! If you don’t know, find someone who does and do what they say. 

And most importantly, it is not easy. It is discipline. 

Success is achievement of pre-determined worthy goals.

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