Discipline

How are you disciplined in your life?

I run. 

Lacing up my shoes and bouncing through the first few steps on a run is a freedom I hope to enjoy until I croak. How many people spontaneously go from sitting on the couch to running 15 miles? Not many. I've done it a few times and it HURTS the next day. Walking backwards or crawling down my stairs could be an SNL commercial for an arthritis medicine.

Breck bike trail for a long run at the start of spring

I can go out and run 10 miles after not running for a few weeks or months because my body is conditioned and trained to run.

When I hear, "How can you run that much?" or, "I could never do that. Why do you run for so long?" I am instantly turned off from anything else you will say to me. Seriously? Can I ask you, "How do you stay healthy, fit and happy?" Oh, you don't work out. You are probably not healthy or fit. That is why you don't get it.

My body endured miles of sprints, long distances, timed practices and yelling. Yelling to go faster, to kick sooner, to kick later. Yelling to sprint to beat someone or cheering because I took the lead. Encouragement from strangers at Mile 18 or Mile 25 to kick in, stick with it or remind me I look good with salty skin. 

True discipline is the product of passion and grit. Running, for me, is powerful and relaxing, competitive and exclusive. I want to be the best I can be, every time I run. I hate the feeling of a slow run or a shortened run. The grit comes from a balance between demons and hopes. They battle on the same road, to finish a race with my hopes in first and the demons long diminished. My life has a rhythm to it because of running. Time on the road leads to a clear vision and new goals, a renewed spirit, a healthier body and long-lasting positivity.

Days and weeks go by without lacing up. Sometimes, I just don't feel motivated. And that is when discipline must rule my heart+mind. What happens when we lose our discipline for the things that mean the most to us? 

I am publicly sharing my struggle with discipline. Running frequently and consistently takes discipline and I slip up. I can be I get sucked into feeling lazy instead of inspired. Days in the gym seem easier than a day on the road.

Lacing up my shoes and taking off gives me great joy.

First marathon in 2006, Chicago Marathon training group 

Who wants to clock 8-minute miles for a few?