March sadness: Wise words

A few random thoughts as we continue to blunder through these unique times without an adequate road map (I mean really, how do you prepare for the unpreparable?).

--Process first. First is a paragraph from a regular email update I get from a podcast called “Unmistakable Creative” … I think this sums up where we need to be as athletes with future races in the nebulous space of the unknown: Since we are children, we are taught to obsess over outcomes: grades, winning at sports, earning money. The focus not on the process but on the outcomes. However, to close the gaps in our lives, we must learn to focus on processes and let the outcomes happen organically. Focusing, hyper-focusing, on outcomes can lead to unhealthy behaviors and thought processes. Now that “outcomes” are put on hold, we can recalibrate our thinking to process.  

--Wise words from the best ever. I’m not on Twitter, but I came across this Tweet by Eliud Kipchoge after the cancellation of the London Marathon. In the running world, we are all being forced to deal with cancellations – of races, of seasons, of long sought-after goals. Here’s what he said:  It is unfortunate news that the @londonmarathon has been postponed but I fully respect the decision made by the organization as safeguarding the health of the world always takes our top priority. To the thousands of runners who with me, have devoted the last months of our lives towards this goal I would like to say: Be proud of the work you have put into this journey, keep smiling and seek your next goal on the horizon to continue running in a smooth and positive way. I hope to share the starting line with you again soon.

--Wise words, period. As difficult decisions continue to be made, I always fall back on the “damned if you do/damned if you don’t” thought process. Overreact (as some think we are currently) and people will howl and complain -- and sound awfully selfish in doing so. Underreact (as some think we should) and run the risk of absolute calamity. With that in mind, the following quote sums that up far more succinctly than I just did: “Everything we do before a pandemic will seem alarmist. Everything we do after will seem inadequate.” – Michael Leavitt