If Running is Difficult, Then Run More.

On Running and Ikigai

I'm going to warn you right now that I'll be talking about running as I support you in your Ikigai Journey.

You do not have to run to find your Ikigai, but I did.

My path is not your path. I'm not even going to encourage you to be a runner. Instead, the lessons I learned through running can serve you on your journey.

Running has taught me that hardship is better faced than avoided.

We'd all love an excellent flat course to run on. What we find are hills, especially in Wisconsin, where I live. The glacial age left what we call kettles or rolling hills all around the Dairy State.

Growth comes from the hills, in running, and in life.

Like the hills of Wisconsin, we can pretend they don't exist, but the challenges you need to face won't go away. The only way to put them behind you is to press harder for a while.

You won't get very far in the hills and kettles without discipline and focus. Sacrifice and effort are required if you are to put the hills behind you.

I once ran a half marathon that was primarily hills. When I ran the race, I thought I would die on that hilly course. I trained almost exclusively on flat ground, focusing on speed work.

I learned you either sacrifice today or suffer during the race because it will have hills one way or another.

Two things to think about as we finish the metaphor of running.

🌀 The hills are hills until one day they aren't.

🌀 If running is difficult, then run more.