Self-discovery

"Running is the classical road to self-consciousness, self-awareness and self-reliance. Independence is the outstanding characteristic of the runner. He learns the harsh reality of his physical and mental limitations when he runs. He learns that personal commitment, sacrifice and determination are his only means to betterment. Runners only get promoted through self-conquest."
Noel Carroll, Irish track trailblazer

Self discovery is not the passage of time. We learn by knowing standing on boundary conditions. Boundary conditions are experiences we have not been exposed to before which tend to trigger somewhat instinctive reactions from us. We may choose not to follow our instinct, but the instinct is present.

I marvel at self discovery. We sometimes surprise ourselves at who we are. Sometimes we're proud, and sometimes we realize we're just like everyone else. Regardless, we get a little closer to who we really are, and not who we would like to be.

Long distance running is one such boundary condition. When you have to run consistently for months to prepare for a marathon, it makes you see how you respond to long periods of making tradeoffs around running. Some people stop, others keep going. There is no right answer. But there is self-discovery. Thats key.

May we all discover ourselves!