Lane 8 – Page 16 – Disney Employee Engagement Speaker

USATF Masters Indoor Nationals

How are your exercise goals progressing so far this year?

And what do you do to stay motivated, in spite of all the easy reasons to quit?

After many years of running on my own, with no companions, and no competitions, I discovered the unusually satisfying effect of age-group competition.

First in 5k races, and a few 10k races. But my body frame isn’t really built for distance – whatever that means.

And then there’s the fact that life can be bittersweet, can’t it?

So yesterday, in the rain, I have a great five-mile run, with virtually no foot pain. Foot pain is what kept me away from the Master’s World Indoor Championships two weeks ago in British Columbia and what is keeping me away from this month’s Indoor National Championships in Boston.

Life goes on. Some opportunities go past us, and others will find us when we least expect them.

But only if we never give up.

Sometime soon, I’ll decide on if there’s another shot at competing this outdoor season.

PS. There are two posts at Lane 8 today. Scroll down for “health habits revealed”.

Annual Physical

There are two ways to look at our bodies.

As a temple.

As a burden.

How is it with you?

Betcha Lane 8 scares, annoys, angers and otherwise does just about everything it can to challenge those few brave souls that have the guts to keep coming back.

A challenge to find a purpose for being healthy. Don’t look for a reason. Find a purpose.

Well begun is half done.

Well, I haven’t done everything. I haven’t ever said it’s acceptable to be unhealthy.

Don’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover

Some people are gifted. Mentally, physically, spiritually, financially.

Where do you place yourself in this mix? Honestly, on a good day, I’d give myself an average at best, and quite possibly a below average in some.

And yet, there s a popular saying that says, don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

And so it goes for all of us. We look inside ourselves for our motives, our values, our determination, and even for the ever elusive indomitable will. And we have varying degrees of success. But mostly, failure.

And a few years ago, while taking a “coffee break” by the proverbial water cooler, two colleagues were talking about the Atkins diet they were following. And so I asked antagonistically.

“Why doesn’t anyone ever ask me what I do for my diet?” And their ignorant, but honest, reply was instantaneous.

“You don’t need to worry about it.” To which I replied.

“I worry about it every single day, that’s why I don’t need to worry about it.”

Put up or shut up. But please don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

Eventually This Is Possible

Feeling overwhelmed? We all are.

There is hope. It’s free. But it’s not easy.

You must do the five simple steps from Lane 8’s blog post two days ago, if you intend to transform yourself.

You can (repeat, CAN) become conditioned to work on two or three impossible goals simultaneously.

But not until you’ve had some success doing it one at a time.

Look, you won’t find easy answers here. You’ll find simple answers, but nothing here is going to be “easy”.

Will I ever make it to Lane 8? No, but that won’t stop me from trying. And in the process of never giving up, perhaps I’ll stay healthy for the rest of my life.

And maybe, just maybe, if the best runners in the world have their worst day, and I have the absolute best day of my life, maybe the finals in the worst lane, Lane 8, isn’t impossible after all.

And maybe reaching your impossible goal isn’t impossible either.

If your goal isn’t impossible, why?

Lane 8's First Guest Blogger — My “business card”. Handwritten and simple.

If your goal isn’t impossible, you’re not reaching high enough. That’s what I think. That’s how I stay motivated.

The following insight is from a West Chester University graduate, my former college roommate, United States Marine, Husband, Father, and a man who understands what common sense means. Skip Gaskill also understands what self-discipline means. And it is an honor to introduce you to Skip now. Skip, take it away:

“What characteristic is it that many of us lack on our journey to achieve excellence?

The self-discipline to stick to our chosen paths.

Why? Because it is often too hard, too difficult, too painful, or downright inconvenient. Do you compromise your integrity for convenience sake? Do you rationalize your decision when you know you’re wrong to do so?

Self-discipline means doing the right thing when no one else is looking. My kids think I’m “Goofy” (pun intended) for driving the extra half mile instead of making an illegal u-turn. I choose to set the example for my children.

Lack of self-discipline can be conquered if you really want to improve yourself. Start small, take baby steps if necessary. You will have great joy and should be proud of yourselves when you actually accomplish one of your goals because you had the self-discipline to see it through.

Whether it is running a marathon, quitting smoking, eating better, or being a better person, self-discipline is a key ingredient in the recipe for excellence!”