38 Comments
Jan 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Hi, Terrell,

I can relate! I got to 90.3 miles in December. Not quite there. And the elation/lack of I noticed after the half we were training for in November.

I did the 13.5 and was like "is that all there is ?" I think too it was more evident because I ran it alone😥. However, the journey is often more rewarding than the actual destination. Unless you're having a baby! 🤸‍♀️😍😍

Happy Hump day, everyone!!

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Jan 14, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Great article, enjoyed reading the comments. After having run for years, for some unknown reason reason I have hit a low motivation point in my journey. I’m still running 4 times a week, 18 or so miles each week because of the health benefits, but I’m simply not enjoying it as much. I’ll get through this as I can’t bare the thought of not running. But, I’d love to hear from others who have been in experienced this and what they (you) did to get back that passion.

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Jan 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Thank you for the encouragement Terrell. I only got 42 miles in as I ended up with a bruised body and ego from falling off my treadmill early December. Im back at it this month and signed up for virtual long distance race called Race across Alaska. There are different goals available. I signed up for a total of 350 miles (all activities count) by March 20th.

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Jan 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I can also relate. I have a dream destination on my bucket list, but I know it won't be the idyllic paradise I fantasize about. Part of me wants to keep it a dream

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Loved this. Likewise I hadn't considered those lyrics before. Really wonderful.

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Jan 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

great article today terrell! i hadn't really examined the lyrics before....makes ya think! and you have plenty of time to make that goal. let us know when it happens!

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Jan 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Terrell – Someone you already acknowledged in previous posts—James Clear—in his 2018 book ATOMIC HABITS talks about the three layers of behavior change…outcomes, processes, and identity. In his depicted “target” figure the identity is the bullseye, processes next, and then outcomes in the next outer circle. Clear says, “Outcomes are about what you get. Processes are about what you do. Identity is about what you believe” (30-31). He adds, “Many people begin the process of changing their habits by focusing on what (what is in italics) they want to achieve. This leads us to outcome-based habits. The alternative is to build identity-based habits. With this approach, we start by focusing on who (who is in italics) we wish to become” (31). I think that falls in line with what you were saying with “It’s what the aiming does to you that counts — how gathering and focusing your energy makes you better, regardless of the outcome.” In a recent podcast by Craig Groeschel (84: YOUR MOST FOCUSED YEAR YET) he makes the point, “Obsess about the process, not the results.” It is about “becoming” rather than mere achieving. Thanks for keeping us inspired, Terrell! Howie

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Jan 13, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

my absolute favorite quote from Fitzgerald!

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Jan 21, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I love and appreciate the way your mind thinks...and we’ll, U2 is just golden! Thanks!!

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Jan 18, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

You are speaking my language! u2 is my most favorite band...love this

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Jan 15, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

reminds me of my favorite poem, maybe too long as a "comment" but I think worth the share...

ITHACA

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,

pray that the road is long,

full of adventure, full of knowledge.

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,

the angry Poseidon-do not fear them:

You will never find such as these on your path

if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine

emotion touches your spirit and your body.

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,

the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,

if you do not carry them within your soul,

If your heart does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.

That the summer mornings are many, when with such pleasure, with such joy

you will enter ports seen for the first time;

Stop at Phoenician markets,

and purchase fine merchandise,

mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,

and sensual perfumes of all kinds

as many sensual perfumes as you can;

Visit many Egyptian cities,

to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.

To arrive there is your ultimate goal.

But do not hurry the voyage at all.

It is better to let it last for many years;

and to anchor at the Island when you are old,

rich with all you have gained on the way,

not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.

Without her you would never have set out on the road.

She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.

Wise as you have become, with so much experience,

you must already have understood what Ithaca means.

-Constantine Cavafy (1863 - 1933)

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Jan 14, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

love this!! Thanks so much Terrell for sharing, inspiring, and motiviating. Classic song, I love the version in the gospel church. I am motivated to run because it prepares me mentally for the day. Not sure why, but I am better emotionally when I run. Here is that link to the gospel version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Wt3dhF4fU

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Jan 14, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Another timely article! I actually exceed the 100-mile goal by default, more than by design. Being outdoors, hiking, walking and running is my therapy during this pandemic, so although I achieved the goal, the mileage would have happened anyway just because I needed to be outside moving.

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Jan 14, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Terrell - thank you for all of your effort to pull together our running community. Your words hit home for me, “how gathering and focusing your energy makes you better, regardless of the outcome.” It is the experience of the challenge that is most rewarding. Everyone’s definition of that outcome is different and personal to them. I really enjoyed seeing posts from others on their progress along the way and sharing words of encouragement. Admittedly, I didn’t have the confidence in being able to hit the 100 mile goal. But I gave it a try and succeeded. I’m grateful for the support from others! The challenge was a fun experience for me 😊!

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Jan 14, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Another awesome essay! Thank you! I figured out that I enjoy the training for a race far more than the race itself. (With the exception of one or two races in unique locations.) You are right though. We are still looking & still running. That is what keeps life interesting & keeps us going.

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