Utilizing Daily Opportunities

Have you ever found a moment to apply for a new job when your current one isn’t fulfilling, but chose not to? Or perhaps you feel there’s no time to pursue your fitness objectives. Time often seems like a barrier, but we all possess mental blocks we protect fiercely each day.

Consider how you spend your commute—are you listening to a podcast that doesn’t contribute to your growth? While it may be entertaining, it might not guide you toward your goals. Instead, consider using that time for educational content. If you’re driving, make a note of insights you gain afterward to help solidify that knowledge.

I can’t count how many times I’ve listened to podcasts or audiobooks, only to forget most of the content soon after. Our brains can only retain a limited amount of information daily, so it’s crucial to prioritize what truly matters.

Open Your Mind to Unconventional Training

When I prepared for a GoRuck HTL event, I was uncertain how to fit training into my schedule. Working ten-hour shifts in a medical warehouse with a two-hour commute left me with little time. However, my job involved physical activity, which sparked an idea: what if I turned work into training?

The following day, I wore a 20-pound rucksack to work. Sure, I faced some odd looks, and my boss even joked about it, but that didn’t deter me. As long as my job performance remained intact, I pressed on. I wore the rucksack for ten hours a day, and eventually, my friend and I triumphed in the challenging 48-hour event, marking one of my proudest achievements.

Fast forward to now, I’m preparing for a 100-mile ultra marathon. The challenge lies in increasing my mileage, especially living in flat Chicago, where hills are scarce. My solution? I run to the train station, which adds 12 miles to my week.

As for hills, I live on the 10th floor, and my office is on the 11th. I take the stairs, effectively turning mundane tasks into training opportunities.

Though it feels cliché, thinking outside the box is essential. List every option, even the seemingly crazy ones. If it’s feasible, give it a shot. Remember, just because you try something once doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. The goal is to experiment and improve with each attempt.

The Value of Embracing Challenges

"The credit belongs to the individual actually in the arena, who faces challenges and strives valiantly." - Theodore Roosevelt

Opportunities will not simply appear on your doorstep. If you envision working in the shadows for years only to emerge successfully, you’re mistaken. You need to embrace failure and criticism. Without them, improvement is impossible.

Some may not understand why you rise at 4:30 AM for a run, or why you train during lunch. Eventually, skepticism fades; it’s your journey, and you hold the reins.

Be Ready for Your Moment

Though I’m not religious, a Bible lecture I watched years ago about Noah’s Ark resonated with me. Noah was ridiculed for building an ark inland, yet he remained prepared for a flood. His foresight and readiness ensured his survival.

In ultra running, preparation is crucial, both mentally and physically. Training for long distances cultivates endurance for life’s challenges. Often, it’s not the race itself that reveals your strength, but the training journey.

David Goggins famously said, “perform without purpose.” This doesn’t imply that your actions lack meaning; rather, it emphasizes the importance of always being ready. Recently, a friend invited me to join a 50K in Oregon. Thanks to consistent training, I could run it tomorrow if necessary.

Conclusion: The Lessons of Ultra Running

Ultra running teaches us to recognize and seize opportunities. My experiences revealed that such opportunities often come disguised as challenges. Many fail to see them because they hesitate to step out of their comfort zones.

Small adjustments in how we utilize our time can lead to significant progress toward our goals. Embrace the discomfort; seek out opportunities, and remember that your journey is your own.

Looking to unleash your potential? Check out Running Relentless for regular content and newsletters designed to help you unlock those areas in life where you feel stuck. Discover your true self.

The first video, "The healing power of 1,000 miles of ultrarunning," explores how ultrarunning can profoundly impact mental and physical well-being.

The second video, "Strength training meets Ultrarunning," discusses the intersection of strength training and endurance running, showcasing how they complement each other in achieving fitness goals.