Main Topic

The Rules for Realizing Your Dreams…

…for runners

3 Things to Be

BE PATIENT

• Lots of comments on this in interviews… 
• Progress takes time, both in long-term view and immediate
• Andi: Patience can play itself out, for instance, in not trying to level up too quickly (injury risk). 

BE CONSISTENT

• Lots of comments on this in interviews as well… 
• Little else matters if we can’t make the good things a regular habit
• Andi: Scientifically, building fitness overtime is what gives you the best gains. If you can continue with healthy cycles, that is ideal.

BE BALANCED

• This has to be one of the priorities before the other things to follow
• Balance is the key to long-term success (and if patience and consistency are clearly long-term characteristics…)
• Andi: If running holds a healthy place in your life, then you are able to continue good training for longer.

3 Things to Get

GET HELP

• Another thing nearly everyone we talk to indicates at some point: other people matter in our pursuits… 
• What kinds of help make a difference? Look at the rest of the rules for some guidance there… 
• Good help is help that supports the other good things
• Andi: Think in categories
  • Medical 
  • Coaching
  • Family support
  • Friends
  • Nutrition

GET VISION

• Too many people have dreams with no real idea of what it might look like to realize that dream
• Interesting findings along the idea of thinking positive thoughts… doesn’t work!
• Need more than positive thoughts. Need to know where you’re trying to get and what it takes to get there.
• Andi: Along the lines of what Zach said, we have to have a clear plan. We don’t throw a bunch of bricks together and expect it to become a house. We need a blueprint and planning to make great things.

GET KNOWLEDGE

• Once there’s some clarity of vision, it tends to become obvious what we know or don’t know
• Fill the knowledge gaps as they rise 
• leverage help 

3 Things to Quit

QUIT SHORTCUTS

• The kind of stuff that makes me feel better but not necessarily GET better…
• Examples: Wearing race shoes in workouts, dropping weight (causes injury and burnout), 

QUIT COMPROMISE

• Don’t like waking up early, so maybe I’ll run a little shorter in the afternoon
• Really enjoying that show and maybe getting an hour less of sleep
• Andi: We do realize that life and relationships demand a give and take. We have to have a “balanced” life as mentioned earlier.  Some things that may seem like compromise may be the healthiest choice… like sleeping rather than getting up early… but if it could be avoided like watching a show, cut that out.

QUIT DOUBT

• • Some tend to be too realistic (what’s the use? Is it even possible?)
  • Others tend to be too fantastical
  • Needs to be dreams informed by understanding (see the get knowledge piece)

• Andi: I’ve discussed quite often about having goals that are more within our control, like how we feel, our consistency, feeling strong… ect. Those types of goals help us move from doubt to better security since they are not a number on the clock.