Sharp Focus

“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty. Think big.” -Daniel Burnham

Since setting that stretch goal just four days ago I’ve discovered – or rediscovered, that such a purpose sharply focuses my mind. My workouts are more structured, more intense, and when I feel like slowing down, I resist it rather than giving in with some inane justification.

Eating better no longer feels like a sacrifice.

Some have asked me why I felt the need to stretch toward a World Record, and frankly, I think I realized that I needed to have something big enough stir my blood and I was guided by the inspirational quote by the Chicago Architect referenced above.

But there was also more to it than that (isn’t there always?)

In High School I was well under 2:00 for the Half. A part of that inner dialogue I wrote about the other day included struggling with how to put my age into the equation and still discover new territory. Even when I reach my goal of 2:00:0, I’ll be unable to set a personal best unless I accept some kind of fiction.

So why not an age-appropriate World Record? There is no physical reason, and maybe I need to prove to myself that if anyone else can do it, that with the right dedication and work I can do it too.