I am training for a four day 120 mile event with over 15,000 ft of elevation change in the Scottish Highlands this April. This morning my training plan called for me to run 23 miles, with tomorrow morning a 15 miler, ugh. Prepping for an Ultramarathon is not complicated. It requires weeks and weeks of mixing long slow runs with shorter faster runs to build endurance and speed. Most training programs last for six months. The distances build and the training intensifies until about a month from the event and then the training “tapers” or eases off to ensure that the competitor has fresh legs for the event.
Several times on my run this morning I was reminded of the famous quote from Mohamed Ali “I hated every minute of training, but I said ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” While I tried my best to enjoy the music I was listening to and appreciate the beautiful scenery I couldn’t help but think about how my legs hurt, how hot it was getting and how much further I had to go, like Ali I was allowing myself to succumb to the suck.
Ultimately I reminded myself of one of the great axioms of Grinders Win, there are no short cuts to achieve your goals. In order for us to attain success, however we define it, the road to success will grind through the valley of hard work, without exception. You want to achieve success at work? You have to create a plan, work hard and get through the difficult times. You want to become more physically fit? You have to be disciplined about your diet and exercise. In each case the answer is to work hard and be accountable for the outcome, you gotta Grind!
So like today, tomorrow I will answer the bell and grind out another 15 miles and slowly inch closer to my goal. The next few weeks are going to be hard but I know that down the road, the four days of running through the Scottish Highlands will be magical. So keep setting goals and keep answering the bell when you want to quit. Finally, always remember, GRINDERS WIN!
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