The Journey Is the Reward
The Journey Is the Reward
Marathon runners don't take shortcuts. Here's why the rest of us shouldn't either.
"When you sign up to run a marathon, you don't want a taxi to take you to the finish line." - Derek Sivers
I thought about this quote during a recent walking date with a friend. We were talking about new hobbies we're picking up. She casually mentioned she's about to train for a marathon.
"Just once," she said.
"And then I'll never do it again. I want to prove to myself that I can do it."
I couldn't help but smile. It's amazing she's committing to something that requires so much effort. A marathon isn't just 26.2 miles. It will be months of training and sore muscles. I know I could never do it.
My friend isn't looking for shortcuts. She's not trying order an Uber to get the end. She's working with a trainer to prepare for her first and only marathon. She gives herself a year to train.
We often chase quick fixes in life. We want the medal without the sweat.
But the real reward isn't just crossing the finish line. It's in becoming the person you become during the process.
The journey with all its ups and downs is where the magic happens.
The finish line is just a moment. The journey is where we grow, learn, and become. It's where life actually happens.
The destination gives us direction, but the journey gives us growth. It gives us stories to tell, lessons to learn, and experiences that shape who we are.
I wouldn't be able to write daily if I fixated my mind on just the destination. All the mistakes, good and bad moments help me build character and allow me to share my lessons through The Daily Unlearner with you.
The journey is the destination.
Whether it's running 26.2 miles or writing daily posts, the real value lies in the process, not just the end goal. So let's embrace every step, every word, every challenge along the way.
Don't miss it.
Until tomorrow,
Cammi
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As a Kenyan, our Marathoners are always on the grueling long training runs, no shortcuts. The dedication is staggering: early morning starts, fasted runs stretching for 40kms (~24miles) over challenging terrain. There's no magic bullet, just pure, consistent effort. These runs build the foundation for their explosive race pace. Just like these world-class athletes, we all need a balance between pushing ourselves and building a strong base. Let's take a page from the playbook of our marathon heroes, Eliud Kipchoge (No Human is Limited) and Faith Kipyegon (Show The World that also becoming a Mother, You Can Be Stronger). They, and countless other Kenyan runners, inspire us to reject shortcuts and embrace the power of consistent, dedicated effort. Remember, even champions prioritize the unglamorous long, slow runs that lay the groundwork for greatness, even if it's just a one time achievement.
Check out these articles for a deeper dive into Eliud's and Faith's incredible training routines:
https://www.ineos159challenge.com/news/chris-froome-supports-eliud-kipchoge-in-his-bid-to-inspire-the-world-that-no-human-is-limited
https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/marathon/a42722004/eliud-kipchoge-training/
https://worldathletics.org/personal-best/performance/lessons-long-training-run-kipyegon-kipchoge-sang
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/67732053