I had an epiphany this afternoon… or, perhaps, this is nothing more than a heat- and dehydration-driven hallucination. Nevertheless, I’ll share and you can decide.
I was running a street loop today that would amount to just over 3.25 miles in distance. During the final .3 mile, the toll the heat was taking on me was at its peak and I had the same thought most of us get: Should I just stop and walk the rest? The notion was brief. I reminded myself how ridiculous it would be to stop now, so close to the finish, so I got my head right and made it to the finish line.
This happens so often. When you are doing something where your mind can prevent you from accomplishing what your body still has energy for, you need to traverse that mental hurdle with haste. I always thought the idea was to finish strong. And it is. But, I realized today that there may be more.
Whether you’re playing chess or driving in a Formula 1 Gran Prix (or any sport, I would imagine), it’s vital to think one move ahead. Yes, finishing the current stage is important but the pros know that you do so in a way that appropriately sets up your next move and the move after.
I connect this idea with getting to the finish line of your run. Yes, you’ll feel great about what you accomplished today. But, more importantly, you will have no reason to doubt your ability to conquer the same distance tomorrow. And, maybe, know you can push yourself even farther.