Indite

Getting ready for a nice run outside on the trails. It is finally cold again and all is frozen. The snow is on its way. I thought to myself, this is going to be great. Though it has been warm lately, it also means its muddy. Certainly, a fun time for what it is, but happy for it to be frozen.

And how cool is this going to be? Cold and refreshing, tree covered trails, snow, early Saturday morning; what could be better! Got the dog ready, geared ourselves up and hit the trails!

We left, heading out on our excursion. As we carry on, I realize its a bit colder than expected. Also, for some reason, my dog was not having it. Normally, a cold weather running beast, but today, seemed to be pulling along a dog sled behind me. I'm thinking, hmm, not what I planned the run to be like.

Then the snow came. This is awesome! Just what I wanted. Quickly, the snow picked up and soon it was stinging my cold face and I couldn't see as clearly, especially due to the steady pace of the run.

At this point, my face is stinging, I'm dragging my dog behind me (not literally, don't worry), and I can't see. All that, but I'm still loving it, in the way only true passion and commitment will allow us too. But when all was said and done, we both finished the run, felt great, ran the distance planned and in a more than respectable time.

How does all of this relate to us as professionals?

While we are planning, the vision seems so clear. As we begin executing and moving forward, we start to realize that reality provides a new clarity to what we once thought was a clear vision.

Stick with it because while you may think you are struggling in some aspects, you can be excelling in others. There will be uphills, but there will also be downhills. There may be potholes or rugged pathways, but there will also be smooth ones. Take what's in front of you for what it is and continue moving forward, even if it takes more effort or is at a slower pace.
 

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While I'm out during my morning runs, I like to think about things. Sometimes the motivation to run is simply to think. Admittedly, I think about work. Other things too of course, but it all ties together. You see, while I'm running I tend to push myself to be better than the last time, whether we're talking in terms of time, distance, or how I feel. Sometimes I go out too fast, and need to stop to walk for 5 or 10 seconds. I do that not because I'm so tired I can't continue, but because I've lost efficiency and cadence due to the fatigue. Simply stopping for those few seconds leads to better form and cadence [efficiency] on restart. And in the end, I still end up with the same time.

Cadence: the flow or rhythm of events, especially the pattern in which something is experienced

Efficiency: able to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort

Form: the manner or style of arranging and coordinating parts for a pleasing or effective result

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