Motivation, structure, determination
I’ve been watching the Breaking2 attempt over, and over, and over again. Even though looking at the actual scenario playing out didn’t look much different from many other races (taking away they were going way faster) — the entire race was so capacity of the race was much more than a race, and so different from any other races. Of course this was more than pounding feet, it was more than just going for a medal, it wasn’t really about a price or a win.
We all know this. We know that this was about breaking barriers — pushing human limits, creating hope and trust. Going for something no man had done before. And getting close. So very close.
The world watched, not daring to truly believe, but all hoping for one of the runners to making the impossible, possible. Knowing that everything was planned to come together, the perfect location, perfect athletes, perfect mindset, perfect legs, perfect shoes, perfect track — an ideal situation. It didn’t happen. We came so close, but a few seconds made the impossible stay impossible.
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We can still chase the dream, and I’m sure we will catch it at some point, it seems like human limits are only here to be pushed further and further away.
(notice I am saying we ? I didn’t even realise this before I read it again. Funny how this project really seemed like a project not just for Tadese, Desisa, Kipchoge or Nike, but for all runners. Like a global barrier to that we all thought we could break together)
What seems to be stuck with me, and what brings me back to watching the race again and again and again, is not to study why Kipchoge didn’t make it — I know what will happen, and what will play out, there’s absolutely no surprise. But what I see is determination. There is so much I learned from following the project of Breaking2 — things that I can use in all situations, not just running.
There is so much will power, passion, determination and happiness. Over and over again, I feel like I keep getting reminded, that a happy life is simple and focused. There isn’t any bullshit. These runners have a goal, they know what they want, and then they work for it with lots of gratitude and lust.
What I learned, and what I think we can all learn, is not just that these 3 runners are to be some of the most admired people on earth, but know what is important to you and then hunt it. Don’t just dwell around in life, focusing on things that doesn’t bring you closer to happiness, but find your “goal”, stay focused. be determined. be humble.
