FAILURE AND REFLECTION

Well it has been about a month since my second 200 mile attempt. How does one accept failure yet stay motivated to continue on? That is a good question:) I don't have a patented answer, I do have insight that might help others. One part of me says there is no excuse "I failed" another part tells me that overall "we were successful" of course the failure falls solely on me and the success reflects a joint effort by a wonderful team of friends and loved ones. I think that both statements are true, I did fail and we were successful. My personal goal of running 200 miles was a disaster from start to finish, it just wasn't meant to be. Our Team goal of raising money and awareness for The HOPE Foundation was a HUGE success, thousands more know about HOPE. We can all be proud of that!


So does one go right back into the fight and do another event or set back, lick wounds and plan ahead? I personally think a combination of the two is healthier. You have to reflect an try to assess what went wrong and make sure those things don't happen again. You also have to let your body heal as well as your mind and spirit, ultrarunning is taxing not only on the body but your mental health as well. Letting yourself recover and comeback stronger is a tough assignment when all you want to do is run long again to prove that you can. That my friend is when I have to let go of my EGO and pray that my knowledge and vast experience in endurance training will get me through. Most importantly, that I do what I know is right not what I want to do. That is tough but I am working through it. My rule is not to make any decisions the first couple of weeks after an event, success or failure. You have to let these things set in and not make rash, impulsive decisions. The first week I was going to sign up for Redman Iron distance just to have a notch in the win column, then I thought I would run The Patriots Run, then maybe the Columbia marathon.... You get the idea of the irrational thinking, EGO is a dangerous thing:) What am I going to do? Right now my only definite plan is to run The St. Jude's marathon in December with Kandice. Paula and I are thinking about the Dogwood 50k the end of October. I do have 2011 planned but won't announce that just yet, needless to say it will be challenging:)

I think the most important thing to remember is that even though running is an important part of my life and I have been able to do some good with that, it's only running. I can't ever forget that, in the big picture it really isn't that important to me. By that I mean I have my faith in GOD, a wonderful wife, family and great friends. So in the BIG picture my life is great! On the small screen if I can't run I am a BEAST!!:) Perspective is a wonderful thing:)

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND DONATIONS!

NEVER STOP RUNNING!!

Choose to Succeed
Koach Karl

http://www.koachkarl.com/

http://www.k2ultrarunning.blogspot.com/

http://www.k2rawrudeandright.blogspot.com/