Out on the trail for a long run – my mind bounces from thought to thought; seemingly unguided at times, wandering through every facet of who I am – ideas, inspiration, contemplation, reflection, plans, consideration, observations, prayer….marriage, family, work, successes, failures, opportunities, God…yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever…I love my long runs.
Purpose
Recently on my long run, I was challenging myself with the question of, “why do I run?” What is at the heart of this “race” I participate in? Is it my health? Fear of aging? Competition? Vanity? What is it that motivates me to plan out the time, face the elements, suffer through the aches, and make myself downright uncomfortable at times?
Quickly my mind changes, focusing on my work/job. Why do I get up in the morning? What is at the heart of this thing that I do with the majority of my time every day? Do I know why I do what I do? Do my co-workers know? Do we have a purpose? Are we making a difference, or just making money? Are we inspired, or indifferent?
With little hesitation, my psyche shifts to my spiritual life. I claim to have deep conviction and passion about WHO I believe in, and the difference HE can make in my life and the life of others; does my life reflect that? What really drives me? Is it Love? Conformity? Gratitude? Fear?
My consciousness sensing that it is “on-a-roll,” with this question of purpose, swings to my marriage, then to my children and grandchildren, next to my blog, to my music, friendships, volunteer activities…..ahhhhhhhh!
Why do I do the things I do? Why do I enter and run the “races” I run?
Sometimes that question is easy to answer – my wife, my children, my grandchildren…I love them. Not that I don’t screw up some times (many times), and let my own selfishness trip me up. But, overall I am driven by my love for them.
Yet, in many areas of our lives, we struggle to answer the question of purpose. Without a clear understanding of “why,” we can waste a lot of time and effort on activities that bear no fruit, or we can find ourselves sitting on the sideline, or walking instead of running, because we have no motivation to run an aimless race.
Directionless
Imagine showing up at the starting line to run a marathon in the city of New York without any indication of where the finish line is located. No signs, no mile markers, no volunteers to guide you. All you know is that the finish line is 26.2 miles away.
How many extra miles will you end up running to find the finish line? How many additional hours will you spent trying to make your way to the tape? Will you even find the end? Will you stay motivated enough to continue on, or will you eventually quit?
Eventually your run becomes a jog, your jog becomes a walk, and then you stop. You try to start running again, but with no idea how to reach the finish, you slow down, and then stop again. You pick back up and run every once in a while, because “you’re supposed to,” or, it’s the “right thing to do,” not because you have purpose or direction. Soon, even though you may jog slowly once in a while, you’ve forgotten what you even signed-up for.
Does this reflect your job/work? Your activities? Your Spiritual walk? Your life?
We need purpose
Purpose determines how you spent your time and energy. Purpose is the driving force of why you do what you do. Purpose gives direction; it gives guidance. Purpose creates passion. It answers the question, “is this the right thing to do?” Purpose gives you stability in turbulent times. Purpose leads to high performance.
Want to move mountains? Withstand the storms? Create vision? Find your purpose!
Run for the Prize!
Fantastic commentary on the importance of have a goal/purpose. Bravo!
I have read the first 6 replies and let me tell you this. Running was the best thing that I had in my life. It allowed me to relieve stress and burn calories faster than a long walk. It is sad to say that at 34 I was told that I needed a knee replacement. It did not stop me I continued to run and workout until one day my leg had swollen so much that I did have to go and have the surgery. What is wrong with this picture is this. I had surgery on the opposite leg that I was told I needed surgery on after a car wreck I had. The insured that hit me did not pay for the leg because I had injections in the leg over the years.
Well it has been 1year in Feb.11th that I had this surgery. My leg is still weak and I have not tried to run on it at all but I have a feeling after I get my weight back down I will run. Even after having surgery on 1 leg needing it done on the other leg and having surgery on both feet.
There is a feeling of freedom and acomplishment not just the fact that you lose or burn calories. It has been over 10 years that I ran on a bum leg and I feel awful. I have gained a lot of weight and became very depressed. I am retired and I hope someone has an idea to get me back in the game.
I really enjoy your posts Scott. Very well said, love the analogy. Makes me think about and evaluate goals for all the areas of my life…
Is Joy a purpose? I remember my marathon training days and how I was obsessed with goals, times, distances, running logs, etc. I enjoyed the intensity of my own obsessive-compulsive behavior, and I loved the sense of achievement it often brought (and I learned from the disappoints, as well).
Long before all that, however, I ran just to run. I put on headphones and “went jogging” through the forest preserve for one or two hours. At first I alternated running and walking, and soon I was running the whole time. I didn’t know my pace or my distance, and I didn’t care. I enjoyed the chance to be out in the fresh air, to be alone with my thought, to stimulate that endorphin rush. I ran just to run. No other purpose in mind.
Recently I started doing some intense full body workouts with a definite purpose of getting back in shape. But taking a break from those workouts to put on my headphones and “go run” reminded me of the joy that can be found in the sheer simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other with no other purpose than moving down the road.
Staci – for years I was obsessed like you with my time, distance, etc. I still journal all my runs; however, those items are not my motivation any longer – reflection, stress release, physical health, and the joy of running motivate me to “move down the road” now.
Scott: Great question. One main reason is that I can so I do. I’ve been a runner for many, many years and started marathoning 6 years ago. The health benefits are undeniable and that includes the mental clarity! The connection with other runners is wonderful. I enjoy many sports but the running makes me feel like it adds purpose and dimension to my life so I am in a good place physically and mentally and I can give to my family, friends, and clients.
Susan – I really hadn’t thought about the fact that running puts me in a better place to be able to give to others. Wow, the reasons to run just keep adding up.
Scott, great question. I have been running for two years and the benefits of running are tremendous. I am in the best shape of my life…physically, mentally and spiritually. The running helps me stay focus and sharp. Thanks for the post!
Matt – I couldn’t agree more. I tell folks all the time that running benefits my physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Fantastic post and at a time when I, too, am struggling with the “whys”. One of my “why” questions is “why do I run NOW? at 59 years old, and why did I never run before?”
I think folks who have never run just cannot comprehend the complexity of the thoughts that an individual experiences on a long run; nor can they understand the total high that comes during a “supreme” run when it all goes “right”. That feeling is beyond euphoria. But it’s not “just” about the run. It is about life..all aspects of it. Your post conveys exactly what I experience…the entire jumble of “me” and those things I hold dear (and even some that I don’t). I solve work problems on some runs, compose articles and songs in my head, challenge myself to new goals, but mostly just “listen” to all that God has to say to me.
I was amazed to find that after 55 years of being a couch potato followed by 2 years of building up the physical strength to attempt a “run”, I can, indeed, do this. I can run a half marathon and soon I’ll be attempting my first full. At 59…I can do this. Maybe, for me, that is the answer…because I can.
Thank you for sharing this excellent post with the rest of us.
Rebecca – you are an inspiration!
Actually, I drew inspiration from your writing.
So may times in this life, we are robbed of our joy. Obviously, you know where to look to regain it. Thanks for reminding the rest of us.
Scott – Thanks for your address – I evidently misplaced my list of addresses for some of my relatives. I love your blog! I’ve always thought that I needed a goal in order to keep active and not become a couch potato, as I do sometimes since my retirement. I’ve joined a church and make prayer shawls for people in need, physically or mentally. I plan a trip to some foreign country I haven’t seen before every year(now that I can). Next year will probably be floating down the Nile in Egypt!
I’m sure that without GOD in our lives we will surely waste our time here on this earth. I have found throughout my life that material things mean nothing (oh, we do need to be able to feed, clothe, and house ourselves so we’re not dependent on others, but the older I get, the more I realize that these material things are just stuff to be moved around, dusted,and put back on a shelf!
I’m glad you have this Blog – I hope you are still singing – you have such a beautiful voice, and music is food for the soul! Have a great Christmas season. I know I will with both twins here for Christmas. Love you, Aunt Roz
Aunt Roz – thanks for the encouragement! And, thanks for reminding us of what really is important in life. I trust that you had a wonderful Christmas! Please send me an email so that I’ve got your email address (you do have my email…right?).
Is there really a choice ? The environment is even more foreceful in the growing countries like India, China, etc. where if you dont run, you will be run over.
Unfortunately, even firms who may follow specific practices of employee care and work life balance in the Americas & / or Europe do not generally follow the same practice here as they are aware of the general local environment. There are more skilled people than jobs and hence the pressure to perform.
USA had taken a lead in terms of environmental protection wherein they mandated all US firms to comply with same levels of environmental protection as at home. Not sure if any plan is there for protecting human resources on a similar manner.
That would help many of us run slower and then also create job opportunities globally which certainly are required especially in current times of global slow down.
S Nath – thanks for reminding us of the hardships that others face around the world.
I started running in 1990 and haven’t stopped. In 1994 I decided it was time to quit my job and start my own business, and I wanted that business to be all about running.
In 1994 I created the concept of running tours, taking people out on runs through Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Venice. My business began on July 6, 1994, Off ‘N Running Tours. We have been offering our running tours since that time, as well as offering other services too.
I now direct 5K races for associations and corporations, putting on races at the annual conventions they attend.
As you can see, I decided to start a business doing what I love and I never looked back.
I run for enjoyment. I have a running club that meets every week, and my goal with them is to make running a life style, not just a one race goal.
Running keeps me healthy and happy, and my most favorite people are runners.
Cheryl – thanks for encouraging others to find the joy in running and walking. I checked out your business website (http://www.offnrunningtours.com/); maybe I’ll be the LA area sometime and have the chance to participate in one of your hosted events.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-724HNIYJI
Best run ever !
Wow!
I run to stay healthy. I run to raise money for Canadian Diabetes. Both personal. I have captured all of my experiences in my blog, http://mykalsreport.blogspot.com/. I really enjoyed your blog post. Thanks for the continued inspiration
Chris – I visited your blog – what fun, to relive some of my marathon experiences, as I read yours. I’ve ran a couple marathons in Florida (soaked socks by the first 10K), and the heat kicked my butt – but Jamaica at 42 degrees celsius (that’s 107 F. for those of you trying to convert), YIKES!
Thanks for sharing.
Nice one!
To me running is mediation I find peace in doing it. Health, fitness, alertness and being competitive are other reasons for doing the same.
Lakhi
Scott,
Just disovered your blog via LinkedIn Consultants Network. Great reflections! They VERY MUCH resonate with volumes of journal entries I’ve made over the past 15 years, which I’m currently compiling into a book about life’s pace. I may soon be looking for an advisory board for the project and, after reading a few of your posts am wondering if you might be a valuble resource. Any interest?
Thanks again for sharing your reflections about how running, purpose and life fit together.
Larry Tindall
Really enjoyed this post Scott. It’s interesting…I often do strategic planning for work and life while on runs. It even came to the point where I would carry a voice recorder while on longer miles because I would tend to forget the ideas that worked out in my head. Still working on the “why do I run” part. Sometimes it seems silly – but I have to keep going.
Maybe it’s being in shape. Maybe it’s the solitary hours of head conversation and planning. Maybe it’s both. At any rate, it’s worth it. Good luck with your races in 2010…
In moments when I ask “why am I doing this?” – especially when it’s 100 degrees and there is no breeze, or when it’s -10 and a strong wind. Why keep going?
For me, I think of my grandfather, who couldn’t breath without an oxygen tank. I think of The Blazeman Jon Blais), an amazing triathlete who competed in the Ironman after being diagnosed with ALS. The Hoyt’s, where the father pulls, carries and pushes his wheelchair bound son 140.6 miles in the Ironman so his son may know the joys of the sport.
God has granted me an able body and only he knows for how long. My purpose is to use it – to push myself, to challenge myself, to change myself.
Good question. I run for health, having been overweight, lost my confidence, i don’t feel well, first step I was walking, then jogging then running.
I run because it is a therapy, from stress and abuse. Stress from work and life chanllenges, and abuse from past running makes you feel freedom away from all of this things and in the end of a run you feel healed, and relaxed.
I run for the sense of purpose. I wasn’t an athlete when i was younger, I was fat when I was in my early 20′s and having people see the change of getting into a way of life of running gives you benefits and do make good positive outcome, I like seeing people getting motivated and inspired that I was able and i am able to do it, so can they.
I love the sense of acheivement of getting something done, waking up early, getting fit, running race, taking your improvement, failing and improving what has failed, winning in something you never thought you can, the distance you never thought your huuman body can tackle to run.