Saturday, April 28, 2012

Action 398 - Remember What Lasts.

I went to La Jolla this morning to pick up my race package. I was in and out of the expo quickly, so I decided to take a few minutes and check out the view. It was truly spectacular.



As I sat there watching the waves come in and out, one idea became clear in my mind.
This happens all the time. Day in, day out. Hour after hour. The water rushes in and the water rushes out. All the buildings and the people and cars that pass by, they come and go. But the waters continues to crash against the shore. Of all the things here, the water is what lasts.

Since I had just come from the half marathon packet pickup, it's no surprise that the thought clicked for me on a personal level, too.

Action 398 - Remember What Lasts.

I've changed my life by eating healthy and being active. I've run short and long distances, logged miles on the treadmill, biked all over town and pushed and lifted weights for hours. But all of those things are short-term, one-off moments. I have a great workout. I run a fast half marathon. I finish a two hour bike ride. Those are great moments and I'm proud of myself for making them happen, but when they are over, that's it.

What lasts? Me. My body. And it's healthier each time. What lasts is the long-term effects of each of those moments. Running a half marathon is a great experience, yes, but the benefits continue long after I cross the finish line. And a single workout leaves me feeling good, sure. But the long-term benefits of a leaner, stronger core will continue to benefit me long after the trainer and I part ways.

The individual moments are fleeting, and I will continue to enjoy each and every one. But I will also spare a thought to what lasts. I am doing more than collecting medals and photo opportunities. I am also building a healthy body that will serve me well for the rest of my life.

And that is an action I can be proud of.

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