After the finish line

42.1 kilometers. That’s what it takes to finish a marathon. Average 4 and a half hours of running.

Morning runs, midnight runs.

Got the right shoes, slick diet. 

Pre carb load just to let you survive the next 4 hours.

Well planned hydration that won’t leave you with yellow shorts but won’t sandpaper your tongue either.

Elevated heart rate.

All good. 

Last look at your shoelaces and you are off.

You blink and time goes by. Breathe in, breathe out.

Your eyes are burning from your sweat. It’s ok. You are trained.

Last 100 meter. Smile sets on your face.

Next thing you know you are at home in a well earned hot shower.

Happiness is flowing in every cell. 

You are in the hype zone. An achiever, a go-getter. 

Sleep tight. Next few days are great.

Yet the hype is declining. A year worth of dedication. For a 5 hour run.

Earned for sure.

But what next ?

Is it done? Do you stop running now? Or do you start running much more? Maybe attend different marathons each season or month? Join the pros? Start a club? Run for charity?

What’s next?

Sometimes the occupation is the goal itself. Results are a side product. 

We always tend to increase the target, step up the game. 

Expand and develop.

Onwards and upwards!

But sometimes we just have to let it be. 

Keep it as it is. 

Keep it simple and basic. 

This is how your mind gets ease.