In order to run fast, you have to run fast

I want to be a competitive triathlete. I would love to podium in a race. How dope would that be? Be one of the top athletes in a large field of competitors.

To be able to do that, I've got to be fast. Faster than most.

Currently, I am not that fast. Not faster than most. Average at best.

That is my first mistake, creating a limited belief in my abilities. If I want to be fast, then I better start running faster.

I will spare you the training protocols to get to be a faster runner/biker/swimmer for now.

But I will tell you is you have to test yourself to see just how fast you can be. Speedwork matters.

If you want to be fast, you have to push yourself out of your current speed.

Think about it this way. You can comfortably go for a walk at a pace you set for yourself. But if you want to get to your destination a bit faster, you may need to pick up your pace to a fast walk, maybe even speed walk.

That is slightly uncomfortable, but you can do it. You can accept 10 minutes of a slight windedness so that you can get to where you're headed, faster.

Take it up one more. One more speed. One more notch. You may be much more uncomfortable. and your mind is telling you stop this isn't worth it.

But is it worth it?

Is the destination (literal or not) worth the slightly more intense discomfort, maybe even categorized as pain?

How will you feel once you get there? Was that extra week of staying in the office to finish your project worth it?

Was the time you crossed the finish line only possible because you pushed yourself that much more?

I hope it was.

When I do my speed work, no one is around, the only person holding me accountable is me. I could walk if I wanted and no one would care because it's not their workout, it's mine.

But If I want to be fast, i have to train with that intention in mind. Pick up the pace when told to and pull back when I need to as well.

Train intently.

If I never pushed myself past the speed I thought I was capable of running, I would've never hit new PRs.

If I never stepped out of my comfort zone, I would've never had the courage to find a job out in Utah, or even be out here.

If I never had the courage to reach out to people I have interacted with, I would have never had the memories of joyous times together.

If you want to be fast then you have to run fast. even once. to prove you are more capable than you think.