The two little secrets that have helped me run 10,000 miles

Over the past few years, I’ve met some incredible runners.

I’ve also met a lot of people who end up quitting.

And I’ve spent a lot of time trying to work out what the difference is between the two. I used to think it was how fit you were or if you played sports growing up.

But it’s not.

In fact, it’s something much more simple.

And if you do it right, it’ll help you run farther and faster than you ever did before.

Let’s dive in.

The Big Question

There are a few reasons why I love running.

The improvement to my physical health has been crazy.

And the impact on your mind is incredible too. Trust me when I tell you that getting up at 5:00 AM to go for a run will teach you more about yourself than any self-help book will (I’ve also got some great tips coming up on the mindset of a runner that you’ll love).

But my big why?

Being an example for my kids.

Because 8 years ago, I was eating and drinking my way to an early death.

I was overworked and overstressed at a finance job that felt meaningless. The pay was good, but I felt more like a mindless office drone than someone pursuing his purpose.

And because of that, I was moody and pessimistic, and I didn’t have any energy.

But back then, my two daughters were 3 and less than 1 year old.

I was a terrible example for them, and it was eating away at me.

The days I would come home and not have enough energy to play, I felt like a failure.

On the weekends, when they wanted to do activities, but I wasn’t fit enough to keep up with them, I felt depressed.

And when they needed my attention, I couldn’t give it to them because I lacked focus.

Then I turned 35, the same age as when my Dad suffered a heart attack (you’ll hear more about that tomorrow).

I knew I had to change because I wouldn’t be around for my daughter’s high school graduation, and nothing terrified me more.

So I started running. At first, it was horrible. I couldn’t run farther than a mile. I was in agony, and it felt like there was no way I could go on.

But I kept at it.

I kept at it because I knew my why was my kids.

Every time I wanted to quit, I thought about them.

Over time I realized most of the problems with running are mental, and you can do a lot more than you think you can.

And I’m not just talking about distance.

Running led to me quitting my job and going back to school to pursue my passion as an entrepreneur.

I wanted to show my girls that life is about pursuing your purpose, about doing more, about being the best person you can be.

And that began with becoming a runner

So let’s bring this back to you my friend.

What’s Your Why?

Instead of just saying you want to be a runner, what does running mean to you?

What’s the impact you’re looking for?

Why is it so important?

Keep that close to your heart.

Write it on a post-it note and stick it to your mirror.

Tell your family why you’re doing this.

Because like Nietzsche said:

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”

Jeremy

P.S.

If this got you thinking about why you run and you decided to write yours down, congratulations! You’ve taken the first step.

But if you want to take it a step further, email me at [email protected] to share your why. I’d love to hear from you.