Why running 100 miles is not crazy

“I can do anything I set my mind to and absolutely nothing will get in my way of achieving that goal.” This quote is rooted deep within me. I truly believe in it.

Recently I ran my first 100 miles, Javelina Jundred. Running Javelina has become the greatest physical and mental accomplishment that I have encountered. I ran it in 29:07. I faced swelling, blisters, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, pain and doubt. I ran through the night, never sleeping, only sitting to use the restroom, only stopping at the aid stations and it was brief. I also found out what I am made of and found that I’m strong. The longest distance prior to Javelina was 50. I wanted to quit at mile 62, when it hurt, when it was cold, when I was offered a 100K belt buckle, tempting. Yet, I pushed doubt and fear away and continued on for another 39 miles (Javelina is 101.40 miles). I pushed myself past the point of pure exhaustion to accomplish a dream that I had for over a year. I told any physical and mental pain where to shove it to make this dream come true. I just kept on visualizing my success, so walking away from the aid stations was easy.  

Running 100 miles was a dream of mine that I saw months out, a dream that I put a date on and one that I trained with extreme enthusiasm, even on days that I did not want to. Even during the weeks when I got injured and was worried about a successful recovery in time to run the race.

Running 100 miles takes a lot of belief in yourself. I saw myself finishing the race the day that I made the decision to run Javelina and this belief in myself continued all the way up to the finish line. I never let doubt or fear control me.

When I was training for it and after, I was constantly told how crazy I am, in one form of another. It seemed these people that took little jabs at me really were being critical, instead of realizing the amazing feat that I participated in. “You’re crazy easily poured off their lips.”

Crazy? I don’t think so. Crazy is never fulfilling a dream. Crazy is not taking action. The majority of the population merely thinks about their goals and dreams and does not take action, only to feel regret later on.  The majority of the population only wishes and some even criticize others, even if they say they are only joking. It’s not funny. I don’t think unfilled dreams are funny. I think it is sad.

I am extremely proud of myself. I just did something that is extremely rare. How many can say they’ve run a 100 miles? I am excited about where my running will take me over the next few years. Not only with my own accomplishments, but in helping others reach their potential and fulfill their own dreams.

So look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if you are indeed fulfilling a dream that you’ve always wanted to accomplish?

NORMAL IS BORING. DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” - Gail Devers

Other tips on fulfilling a dream:
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/how-to-fulfill-dreams-thoughts-on-an-ebooks-anniversary/