Forward Is A Pace
On Monday, I was out for a run in Dallas, TX.
When I’m traveling for work it can get challenging to find a pool. And, that’s what I love about running: all I need is a pair of shoes, some shorts, a t-shirt, and the great outdoors.
There really are no excuses.
Since September, I've had a heavy focus on swimming. Walking out the hotel door on Monday, I knew I was in no kind of running-specific shape. But, after a morning of travel, I just wanted to get outside so I set a target of running 6 miles.
While I’m paying for it today, I’m always amazed at what I learn through exercise and struggle.
During my second Ironman triathlon, I was about 14 miles into the run leg and I was about to throw in the towel.
At this point, I was no longer running—my lack of training had reduced my effort to a really loooooooooong walk.
I distinctly remember walking through the part of the course that overlooked the Tennessee River. It was a beautiful path with lush green grass and tons of trees.
Sprinkled along the path were park benches.
At this point, every single one had my name on it.
I had devised a plan in my head that I would just go sit on a bench trusting that someone in my support crew would eventually come looking for me.
Things can get pretty dark during a 140.6 mile race.
And then I ran by a spectator who said four simple words that changed my race and have continued to change my life:
Forward is a pace.
It was like a hit upside the head.
She was spot on.
I may not have been doing what I knew I was capable of doing, but I sure was moving forward.
Despite blisters on the bottom of my feet and the enormity of 12 more miles of walking, forward got me to the finish line.
Forward kept me from quitting.
Forward is a pace.
On Monday, while I was out for my run in Texas, I kind of hit that point when I realized I got in over my head with 6 miles.
The hills seemed bigger.
The temperature seemed hotter.
The effort was getting harder.
And my pace was slowing down.
“Reed, forward is a pace.”
And that’s all it took to get back to the hotel with a huge smile on my face.
You know, your plan may not work out perfectly.
You may hit some stumbling blocks on the way.
You may be reduced to a walk.
Heck, maybe even a crawl.
But, stopping on a park bench leads to only one outcome.
Where ever you are going and what ever you are working toward, remember…
…forward is a pace.