Guest Post: Is it the journey or the destination? ...by Pat Walsh

 * Is it the journey or the destination *

We hear and read so much nowadays about all the various self-help and motivational quotes that are meant to inspire us. But what do any of them mean and without some practical advice attached do they make us feel empowered or inadequate. We read them, but what else do they offer other than a good quote.

‘Success is a journey not a destination’

This much used quote is thrown about to enlighten and inspire us. Which is the more important. Personally the answer is, both are equal.

Success is every day you wake up and live the day. Training (running or any form of exercise) is a great help to the enjoyment of life. 

Success is every day you run with a goal in mind and work towards achieving it.

Success is finishing the run or whatever challenge you set yourself.

Success is having a plan at the start of each week and ticking the boxes as you go. This makes the destination so much easier and so rewarding when you get there. Celebrate the fact that you travelled the road to get there but equally celebrate your arrival at your destination. This can be a 5k for someone starting out, or a Marathon for someone running who would love to crack it. Your Goal, Your Journey, Your Destination.

Run when you can, you don’t know when it could all come to a stop. I ran Ballintotis 4ml on Thursday  night. Little did I think in 2019 that it would be 4 years until I got to go again. 2020 / 2021 was Covid and 2022 when it resumed, I had covid myself. It was great to be back again. We shouldn’t take anything for granted. 

Serious Note… Ballintotis Race sets standards that others can only sit back and admire. Fun but professional, welcoming to all and a standard of organisation that would take matching anywhere.

How do we know what is around the corner for any of us, so instead of hours on Facebook or motivational websites and books, just put on your runners and get out the door. When you are running you are winning. That is fairly simple practical advice.

‘Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved’ ….Winnie The Pooh

#PWR #keeponrunning