The Mind On Marathons
November 20, 2024
Writer: Ruby Chase
Editors: Dani Eder & Kate Shapiro
Photo: Pinterest
Crossing the finish line of a marathon is an unmatched feeling, but I argue that the work that got you to the start line leaves you with much more than just a fleeting victory. This year, I have fallen in love with training for endurance events. My friends and family, while they are interested and supportive, think I’m crazy for running 16 or 18 miles before class in the morning. They question why I sacrifice hours of sleep to run such long distances, and I find myself biting my tongue and fighting the urge to explain why my training is about so much more than just pounding the pavement.
Here is my why: training for marathons doesn’t just improve my performance, it makes me better in many other aspects of my life. I have learned discipline, established priorities, and deepened the connection between my body and mind. From this, I am a stronger student, a more engaged friend, and the most confident version of myself.
Training for marathons excites me, but it isn't the only way to achieve the spectrum of benefits that come from pursuing fitness goals. Setting goals to reach new physical limits of any kind can strengthen your mind and spirit. Whether that be lifting heavier weights, mastering a new yoga pose, or running a mile without stopping, each goal pushes you to grow.
Discipline is often viewed as a juxtaposition to self-care. Yet, in my experience, discipline makes indulgence more satisfying and rest time more rejuvenating. You can surprise yourself with your steadfast work ethic and ability to overcome challenges. Exams aren’t as daunting when you know what you’re truly capable of. Reaching towards fitness goals strengthens your ability to focus. Intention is important. When I go to the library, I don’t pick up my phone to shop online or scroll on social media. As a result, I complete work faster than I expect to. Organizing your day around workouts and recovery practices (such as enough sleep!) exposes the time that slips away when we don’t use it wisely. Managing the time around training leaves you with more time for social outings, studying, an extra workout, or a simple rest and reset moment.
When you’re motivated to reach a big goal, you can fall into a lifestyle so geared towards goal-setting that you dismiss any spontaneity or grace. Progress can be so exciting that you put all your time and energy towards it, pushing aside the other hobbies and people you care about. Yet, in order to set higher goals routinely, it is essential to ground yourself and be present in your daily life. Trusting yourself means allowing yourself to step away from the discipline, knowing it will still be there tomorrow when you are ready to work hard again.
When you’ve given yourself grace, you can reflect on what brings you joy and how to spend well-deserved moments to recharge. Finding balance strengthens your perception of what matters and how your time and energy is best spent.
Training for marathons isn’t really about crossing the finish line; it’s about training to be a better version of yourself. Striving for fitness goals not only transforms your body and health, it transforms your approach to life. Find your finish line, then keep pushing it further as you embrace your journey on the way there.
