I have experienced it first hand as I struggled to finish my first 5k. I have watched friends complete half and full marathons while heat pummeled their bodies. I have witnessed a good friend finish Ironman Louisville despite puking multiple times on his 112 mile bike ride. The very nature of these races forces you to dig deeper. But what if we looked at the concept of digging deep in terms of trusting your plan?
Saturday at 7 am, I stood near the start line of the Rocket City Marathon with two friends who were there to watch. One of the guys said he signed up, but wasn’t running and like a flash, my brain skulled into overdrive. I went from casual spectator, to seriously contemplating a 26.2 mile run.
My gut bubbled. This would be the surprise of the day. I would headline the 10 o’clock news; people would be astonished by my feat; I would be limping for a week.
Thank God, logic choked me.
The Huntsville Marathon was not part of my plan and I think this is why most companies, teams and people get in trouble. They settle on a strategy, but ignore it for a deviant opportunity. The Steelers, St. Louis Cardinals, and folks at Apple stick to a plan . . . and it works.
I was thinking like the Titans yesterday. I was looking for a quick way to make fans and get closer to my goal of an immortal mortal. I know the hail mary is bad form, but sticking to a solid, long-term plan is one of the hardest things in life.
In fact, I was even imparting this wisdom the night before.
“I know you’ll feel good early, but resist temptation to start this marathon too fast. Finishing strong is a way better option.”
I mean, EVERYONE who runs knows this, but it is very difficult to stay with that plan.
“You’re running a race, for god’s sake, run the mother fucker!”
Of all the races I’ve completed, I did not take my advice in any of them. I always go out faster than I should and imagine I would have done the same had I decided to launch into the Rocket City Marathon.
So, I’d like to put a spin on the phrase “dig deep.” The obvious definition is to find something extra inside of you while you’re on the course. To swim one more lap. To spin when there’s nothing left. To pick up legs that can barely move. But what about digging deep when it comes to your character and a plan?
While I don’t know how deep I actually dug yesterday, I acted rationality. We endurance athletes often confuse going the extra mile with what’s best in the long run. I really try to remind myself to pull in the reigns with regard to training. It’s one thing to be a pro and push your body to the limits, but a big reason I’m committed to doing an Ironman is for the side benefits. I really believe it will unleash a better and more consistent person.
There is imbalance with any pursuit of passion and that holds true to training as well. What point is all of this working out if it makes you hurt? What point is there in settling on a plan and throwing it out the first time you’re tempted to do something else? Or do we simply prepare to be predictably irrational?