Ultra Post - Why

As we head into the year, race lotteries have been announced and races are filling up fast. The post-hangover ultrasignup session is over. It is the time not just to begin your physical preparation but mental preparation as well. One of the most critical things you can do now is be clear as to your motivation. Being clear on your motivation won’t just help you through the long training season but also through the entirety of the race.

What is going to ring true and give you fire at 2 o’clock in the morning (or it could be 15-minutes into a 10K, or 10 minutes before a business meeting!) Why are you doing this? We know what you’re doing, you’ll be figuring out ‘how’ you’re doing it.

But ‘Why?’

I wrote a blog last year that touched on this a little and I have had time to re-think it. I suggested at the time that it should be values based and I wouldn’t change that, but I’d add to take some time and reflect on your personal history. What themes have been present through your life? Have you gravitated towards charitable causes? Have you been challenged by losses? Overcome an incredible personal challenge? Look deep and take time to reflect. In self discovery and reflection you may also find ‘why’ you’re doing this. I like the idea of using a mind map like I posted earlier as part of that reflection process, but I think journaling can also be very powerful. Simon Sinek the author of Start with Why suggests spending time with a close friend to push each other to the answers. Ask each other open ended questions starting with ‘what, how, and why?’ be reflective and listen.

I have seen people with little experience running but an incredible ‘why’ have tremendous success at an ultra event. That motivating force has to resonate with you, it can’t be anyone else’s and it has to come from with in you. If you’re doing this because you want to impress your buddies or ‘show’ your enemies something you may be in for a let down. I am not saying that it can’t motivate, because it certainly can, there may even be a time and place for it (especially if it gets your blood flowing and can get you off the chair) however, an intrinsic motivator that comes from both what you value and what drives your day to day focus in a positive fashion may be more powerful.

Know also that it may change a little through the course of the season - and that is OK, change happens, it’s part of growth, but in order to stay the course during the race, commit to it.

Grit comes from both passion and perseverance for long term goals. What gives you passion? What will give you passion at 3am when you’re dehydrated, sore, hungry, vomiting, bleeding and confused? Keep it short and simple. Then post it everywhere. Eat, sleep and breath it. Commit it to memory.

So why are you running this race?