Being Superman: Long Distance Running as a Supreme Source of Confidence

One of the myriad benefits of long distance running is being treated to the wondrous and often times flabbergasted expressions of friends and family.

You did what this morning?

I ran 30 miles.

Why?

Because it’s fun.

You’re insane.  Crazy.  You ran 30 miles!?!  Without being forced to?  That’ s some real Superman shit right there.

Maybe it is!

Running any distance mark can be impressive.  I’ve enjoyed the evolution of reactions I’ve received as I’ve transitioned from half marathons to marathons to ultramarathons.  People really do think I have superhuman abilities, that what I do is simply not normal and shouldn’t be possible.  But the truth is: anyone can run a marathon.  Anyone can run an ultramarathon.  It will take some time to lead up to such an achievement, but it’s certainly not as “insane” as folks make it out to be.

Desire.  Discipline.  A strong will.

And the courage to get out the door to say I’M DOING THIS.

That’s all that’s required.

Everyone has Superman power.  It’ s just that most people aren’t willing to work to find it.  Too lazy.  Too comfortable.  Too risk averse.

Living life like that, to me, is boring.  Luckily, I found running before complete apathy found me; and the rewards from that discovery have been so rich and so fulfilling that I can’t ever imagine living without them again.

Confidence.  Purpose.  Strength.

I walk with my chest out, yes.  But not in a douchey way.  I just know that I’m capable of doing whatever I set my mind to, and that, in my opinion, is the only way to live.