A runner's quest for mastery
All runners seek mastery. We may not constantly be aware of it, but the quest exists.
The magic happens when we realize this quest and devote ourselves to it.
We can then grow, by expanding this drive to all areas of our life.
What is mastery exactly?
Ultimately, it seems the definition is up for debate; there is no “one size fits all” definition. So, I believe this allows us to better come up with our own definition, one that applies to us, individually.
My personal definition: Seeking to be my very best, in all areas of life, and to constantly strive for improvement and betterment. Clarifying my vision of who I want to be as an athlete, a person, and a physical therapist, and working towards that vision each and everyday.
For me, the allure of running stems from the motivation it creates to be better in all parts of my life. I find it difficult to strive for mastery athletically and not have that drive spill over to my professional and personal life. Many endurance athletes are high-achieving individuals in all areas of life, and this may indeed be the reason.
Is mastery attainable?
This seems like a simple question, but it has provoked a lot of reflection. I individually believe part of mastery is finding that it may never be 100% achievable. Instead, it is the quest for mastery and seeking constant improvement in everything we do. There is a reason athletes like LeBron James always show up and work hard to improve, even when it seems like there is nothing more for them to prove.
I see this a lot in myself as a runner and triathlete. Finishing my first Ironman, quickly turned into, I need my bike leg to be WAY better. Or, getting my marathon PR this year quickly turned into, what can I do to get a Boston qualification in the future?
There seems to be a subconscious push for mastery.
Yet, it is truly important to celebrate those successes and make a note of how far we have come from the work that we have put in. However, if we get too satisfied with our current placement, the drive for mastery and betterment ceases. So, we must set our own personal balance to better find the healthy mix of satisfaction and wanting more.
Why this, why now?
I have had a greater interest and intrigue into mastery because I am initiating a project, one that I hope all of you can enjoy.
I must admit that it is a bit of a selfish project, meaning, I am hoping that this project helps me on my quest for mastery: to learn, to grow, and to strive to be my best. To hold me accountable to my goals.
With that, I would like to introduce the “Mastering Miles Podcast”
One of my favorite parts of my job as a physical therapist is talking to people, learning from their experiences, putting my ego aside and realizing I truly do not have all of the answers. So the goal is to develop a platform to assist in having more of these conversations to better develop and grow.
I find that I am often drawn to podcasts that go deep and am frustrated by those that stay at surface level. As a listener, I want to learn what has made people better, what has made individuals successful, what has allowed their own mastery. This is what I hope to produce: a level of depth surrounding many subjects of running/triathlon while always relaying back to the depth of mastery.
As I said, this is a bit of a selfish project, but it would be icing on the cake to have you along for the ride as a listener.
Challenge
I then challenge you, to come up with your own definition of mastery. Reflect on it, possibly on your next run. How does it relate to your performance as a runner? How does it relate to your career? How does it relate to your personal life?
With a constant push towards being our best and mastery, we can surely accomplish great things.
So lets head out on this journey for mastery together!
