Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: the essence of running, and a metaphor for life
People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they’ll go to any length to live longer. But I don’t think that’s the reason most people run. most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you’re going to while away the years, it’s far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive than in a fog, and I believe running helps you do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that’s the essence of running, and a metaphor for life – and for me, writing as well. I believe many runners would agree.
What I talk About When I talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami pg 82-83
Life is uncertain. What comes next is uncertain. But knowing that sharpens the mind into narrow focus. My biggest lesson of all, relearned once again, these last two years? That there is no guarantee of tomorrow. All you ever have is today. Be acutely aware of the time limits placed on you and allow that to focus you. Trust me that minutes are precious. There is no other way to live now but alongside the uncertainty, and with great delight.
Come What May: Life-Changing Lessons for Coping With Crisis, by Lucy Easthope pg 258
#eudaimonia #LucyEasthope #mortality #running