As it's enumerated at the top of the homepage of my website, I believe that running is a vehicle for developing human potential. In our lives, we all struggle with worry and anxiety. Running is a way to remove yourself from the cycle of modern civilization and reconnect with what it means to be a human being. As animals, we are made to run. There are few, if any, species in the animal kingdom that are as adapted to running as human beings. For me personally, running long distances is a way to feel connected to our prehistoric origins as persistence hunters. When I am out on trails for a long day, I'm not chasing after a wooly mammoth, but I am continuing the tradition of human beings pushing our limits in the wilderness.
Running used to be necessary simply for survival, but in the modern world, where survival is mostly guaranteed, running is one of the most effective and affordable ways to stay healthy and happy. Whether running short or long distances, the motion of the body is vital to maintaining not only physical health, but mental stability as well. Humans evolved in situations where physical movement was required. Now, many of us work in offices and live in situations where falling into a sedentary life is all too easy and convenient.
The Run Tough Philosophy rejects some of the convenience and ease of modern life and proposes that challenges to us both physically and mentally are extremely beneficial. The process of training can be difficult, especially if one is new to training as a whole. That difficulty, however, is part of the point! If life is too easy, it's common to forget that we as human beings are inherently resilient, tough, and resourceful. After all, there is a reason we cover so much of the planet and can adapt to live in such varied environments. Running Tough is a way to connect with your ancestors on a cellular level. It's feeling like your being challenged and you want to give up, but overcoming those emotions and getting stronger. It doesn't matter how fast you are, or how far you want to run, Running Tough is about improving.
As a coach, nothing is more inspiring than meeting a determined individual who wants to get better. I want to see athletes make strides toward their goals and reach success. For every individual, that will be different, but whether or not you want to run a 5k, or run 100 miles, it's the improvement that counts. All that is required to Run Tough is determination, resilience, and an open mind. We are all at different points in our life, but wherever you happen to be, Running Tough can help you get to where you want to be.
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