"Competing at the highest level is the
greatest test of one's character."
~ Russell Mark ~
I originally posted the following in April of 2011. I'd just ran a half marathon and wanted you know the value I find in doing so. Saturday, I ran another one (10 months after brain surgery), and the same principles apply now as did then. I hope you'll enjoy what you read and can apply it to your own life. Thanks!
Saturday, I successfully ran another half-marathon. Heavy winds and thunderstorms could not stop me. And I felt great afterward. You know why?
Because I'm still out there competing. Long after I was told to go home and quietly fade away. More than a decade after it was said that my best years were far behind me.
I continue to run marathons and half marathons, triathlons, and other races because I refuse to give up. And while that is true, it's more than that. And that's what I want to share with you.
I am convinced that there is something to the whole competition thing that can't be duplicated in other ways. I plan on competing in some way for a lifetime, and I think you should too.
Here are the top five reasons (in no particular order) as to why I think competition is so important:
1) Focuses your training. When you're out there slogging away, it can seem like endless torture for no particular reason. Not so when you have an upcoming event to be ready for.
2) Builds mental toughness. Short of intense combat, nothing builds your mental toughness like a physical challenge does. It forces you to reach down and see what you're truly made of.
3) Allows you to see where you are. It can be humbling to see where you are in relation to others. But it can also serve as a great motivator if you allow it. And no, you don't have to beat others. Competing against yourself is motivating too.
4) Lets you meet new people. Going to different events allows you to meet people that you normally would not, which can have a lot of benefit far beyond the initial meeting.
5) It's just plain fun. As a life coach, one of the things I know is how many people don't do anything for fun. They work, eat, watch TV, and that's about it. Oh, and they might watch their kids having fun. Competition allows you to do that for yourself.
There you have it. While there are certainly more reasons, those five will get you well on your way. And they can keep you going for a lifetime.
I have obviously concentrated on the kind of competition that I'm into here. That is because I believe there is nothing like physical competition to really stoke your fire, for all the reasons I've listed.
Still, you could find some great ways to compete in many other areas too. The key is finding something that fits you, then really going for it!
Well, that's it for now. Until next time...
Keep reaching,
Jay