The lure of a new medal can even get a lazy , complacent ultra-marathon runner to run up Polly Shortts !
Getting to the start line of Comrades is both a journey and a goal .
Finding the Right Motivation
The lines are blurred . Getting to the start line of Comrades is both a journey and a goal ; getting to the finish line of Comrades is both a journey and a goal ; and before the last drop of sweat has dried after crossing the finish line at Comrades , most runners are already discussing new goals to continue their journey .
Perhaps the simplest way to explain the connection is that the journey is what you ’ ll tell your grandkids about in 40 years ’ time , but the goal is what gets you out of bed for another training run before dawn on a miserable winter ’ s morning . Without clear goals , you ’ re likely to hit the snooze button , and then there ’ ll be no good stories to tell your grandkids .
Stuart would know this is way beyond his reach and wouldn ’ t even try .* However , if you make stretch goals realistic , you can get even a lazy , complacent ultramarathon runner like myself to run up Polly Shortts !
* Of course , they do say that “ every man has his price ,” and for the Running Mann it would be a lifetime supply of free beer . If I was offered a lifetime supply of free beer to run a silver Comrades , stupid Stuart would likely give it a shot ( and die trying ).
Now , I am not saying that journeys are not important , but it is the goal that gets the potato off the couch . A significant portion of the Comrades field started their journey on the couch , watching the Ultimate Human Race live on television . They get inspired and think , “ I want to run the Comrades Marathon .” They pick it as a goal , and the goal is what drives the change in behaviour . The journey is a natural by-product , which results in a change in lifestyle . It is the goal of crossing the finish line that keeps the Comrades runner moving forward , even when the body and brain says they ’ ve had enough . The journey is what they reminisce and talk about afterwards .
About to complete one more goal before planning the next step in the journey .
About the Author
The Running Mann has run over 240 marathons and ultras , and his current mission is to run every marathon in South Africa . He recently fulfilled a lifetime goal of securing a shoe sponsorship from The Sweatshop Broadacres and Asics South Africa ( and a running kit sponsorship from Runderwear ), thus allowing him to run more races and share their stories . You can follow his adventures on Twitter , Facebook or Instagram , and on his popular blog .
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