Do I Have to Choose?

About three years ago I was interviewed by phone from a company on the west coast for an internship. They asked about my running, if I ever thought about doing that professionally. I laughed. I told them that I was not nearly that good and that it was really more of a way for me to relax and get rid of stress and stay in shape.

If the same question was asked of me today the answer would probably be different.

To the point, I plan my life in way more detail that most people. Well 2010 was an awakening that things do not always work out the way I plan. Still, I have goals that I want to accomplish and some of those goals are not strictly professional. In my mind, there is enough time to do all of the things I want and I can work toward multiple goals at the same time. That is exactly how I intend to live my life.

The Hansons Distance Project in Michigan has two coaches Keith and Kevin and one mentioned in an interview once that it is not possible to run 140 miles a week working towards a world class marathon and still work 40 hours a week. Well, my goal for a marathon is not so lofty and one national class performance would satiate me just fine.

I told someone recently that I run about 13 hours per week, and I could tell he was surprised that I did not run more. I feel as though, at least in running, two quality hours per day on average every day for several years will yield amazing results. Three hours per day, if you can handle it will make you one of the best in the country if not the world.

Finally, I will retell a story that I just heard Tuesday night. A pair of people, who I don't know, made a list of things they wanted to do before they died and one person who I do know looked at the list and told them that 3/4 of it they could do this year. You can probably work towards A and B and C all at the same time or just A. It's your choice.

In the words of Nike: Just Do It.