Find Happiness

Sometimes you get tired of writing the same things.

For each of the past several years, my friend Mike and I have used our first Monterey Herald column of the new year to encourage people to make resolutions of fitness, exercise, and healthy living. The problem is, there are only so many different ways to say, "Running is good for you!" or "You can do it!", and after several installments, it becomes somewhat redundant.

So this year, we posed the question: Why exactly do we run, anyway?

Obviously, the answer will vary for everybody - I run for far different reasons now than I did 15 years ago - but the one thing we could agree on is that on some level, running should make you feel better about yourself. That's the message we hoped to convey in this week's column, which follows below.

On a related note, and as a postscript to the article, is one of my favorite videos found this year: a compilation of trail and mountain running scenes compiled by ultrarunner, endurance cyclist, ski mountaineer, and all-around adventure badass Matt Hart. Although there are a few too many snow scenes for this California boy's liking, the video on the whole is a pretty accurate reflection of the joys I take from my running exploits nowadays. It also features one of the best Coldplay songs ever written, which is always a nice bonus.

Whether you're running for health, for serenity, for PRs, for beating your competitors, for pushing your personal boundaries, or any of the other countless reasons out there, I wish you success and happiness in the New Year ahead.

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Running Life 12/31/09 “Find Happiness”

Before a big race, it’s always interesting to hear what people have to say.

Sometimes when we’re counting down the days to a marathon or long trail race, we receive e-mails and texts from friends wishing us success in the upcoming event. Our running friends recognize how many months are spent in preparation beforehand, and they can all sympathize with our pre race jitters and anticipation.

Most friends say things like “Good luck”, “Run fast”, or the ever popular, “May the wind be at your back.” Others try to build your confidence by saying “You’ve done all the training, now enjoy the race”, or “You’re strong and ready - now go do it!”

Fortunately, runners never abide by the traditional good luck message used by the theatre community: “Break a leg!” For obvious reasons.

Some running veterans offer messages that are wise, simple, and can be used as a mantra during the race: “Patience”; “Perseverance”; “Strong and smooth”; “Run smart.” One well-known local example comes from the Harrison twins, Olympic sprinters from Salinas, who used to instruct each other to “Run to your destiny” before each race.

Having run many races over the years, we thought we had received every possible well-wishing message - but our friend Jon surprised us recently. Before an important marathon, Mike had been complaining about various aches and pains going into the marathon; maybe looking for sympathy, maybe subconsciously making early excuses for a less than perfect run.

Jon sent him an e-mail simply saying, “Find Happiness.”

Return message from Mike: “Very Zen … are you joking?”

Jon’s reply: “Not joking Grasshopper”.

The unspoken implication is that virtually every marathoner has aches and pains before a big event, and every race is a choice that the runner decides to make. At any time before the starting gun goes off, it’s possible to simply decide not to run – however, even with lowered expectations, the satisfaction of finishing the marathon is always a great thrill.

Mike’s mantra for that marathon became, “Don’t worry, be happy.” It helped him a lot; it’s amazing how a focused mind can mask all kinds of body aches and pains.

It’s actually quite helpful to consider your reasons for running any race. Is it a method for you to “Find Happiness?” If it’s not ultimately enjoyable, then why do it? As you make New Year’s resolutions for 2010, take a few minutes to contemplate why you run. Resolve to find joy in your life and in your running. Be thankful for how lucky you are for your health and ability to exercise.

We usually set goals that involve finishing various races, or improving our racing times and personal records. In 2010, along with those things, be sure to celebrate your running and fitness throughout the year. Savor the miles spent with friends and the beautiful places we get to run. Enjoy your energy and freedom to do the activities you enjoy. Play a bit more, and be serious a little less.

Running’s “first philosopher”, George Sheehan, once said, “Every mile I run is my first. Every hour on the roads is a new beginning. Every day I put on my running clothes, I am born again. Seeing things as if for the first time, seeing the familiar as unfamiliar, the common as uncommon.”

See those things for yourself. Run for the joy of it. And Find Happiness.

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"Ultrarunning", courtesy of Matt Hart: