One Day was the 10th time I ran 100 miles putting me 10% towards my goal of running the distance a hundred times. At my current pace, I would reach this lofty target on October 8th, 2050 at the ripe old age of 79. If I change the start date to my first 100 finish (Oil Creek) instead of my DNF at C&O Canal, then I would finish up on August 18th, 2046 (aka still a really freaking long way in the future).
It’s easy to get discouraged when you are a long way from your goals. You put your head down, grind out a chunk of work, and when you look up you’re still nowhere near where you want to be. I could look at the 30 years or so I have left and decide that it’s not worth the time and effort. The goal is too big or just too far away. If I did that though it would be because I’m focusing on the end result. While this can be good and worthwhile, the destination is not what I’m focused on.
Every day I’m focused on the journey more than where I will end up. This was really brought home to me over the past two weeks. Normally after a 100 miler, I go through a little down cycle physically and mentally where it takes me a while to recharge my love and excitement for really long ultras. Not this time. Within a day or two I was already getting excited about 2019. I’ve already signed up for my first 100 (Olde 96er) and I can’t wait to give this race a go. While this will be my second point-to-point 100 mile course in Ohio, it’s completely different than Burning River in that it’s entirely on roads (basically one) and has virtually no aid stations. It’s the complete opposite of what I just experienced at One Day. I’m also planning on doing Massanutten in May and Eastern States again in August. And depending on how the year goes, I may end up finishing the year off with JFK50.
I’m so jazzed up for 2019 to get started, that I want to start training immediately for all the fun I’m going to have. But I need a little down time. A couple extra days to hit the snooze button and grab some more shuteye. Spend some more time with the family. Next year will be here before I know it. I may never achieve my long term ultra goals, but at least I’ll enjoy the journey. Because life is far too short to live any other way.