Run the Race

I’ve had multiple conversations with members lately about reservations in signing up for something. The main sticking point has been comparison to your old self: “I’m not as good as I used to be,” “people will judge me for underperformance,” “I’ll be disappointed in myself.” These are the negative voices that echo around our heads. I saw it over the years with multiple CrossFit athletes. They got so caught up in performing and the leaderboard that they forgot why they started in the first place.

Though initially some of our reasons may have been “I need to lose some weight” or “improve my health,” most quickly find something more. The high of accomplishment, the rush of physicality, the rising spirit of the group dynamic… it quickly becomes about what you gain rather than just what you lose.

Fitness is a gift. Fitness is fun. You get to use your body to accomplish tasks… sometimes out in nature, sometimes in the gym, but always in celebration of ability. The vast majority of us are not making money out of it. It is not a job… it IS LIVING. Don’t sign up for a prize or a purse—sign up because you can! Nobody cares how fast you are; only the voices inside your head can convince you it matters. Do it and do it with a smile on your face… because it’s a wonderful thing to be able to use our bodies and minds in such ways… a real privilege. Trust me, when you can’t do it you’ll kick yourself for not doing it when you could.

I’ll miss the Idyllwild 5/10k Race this year. Not because I wanted to win anything or prove anything… just because I loved doing it with friends and members. PHAROS started through an acknowledgment that sport had a magical, transformative effect on humans that transcends all demographics. It has unique unifying qualities that slap judgment in the face. So the smile on my face this year will be from the sidelines as I watch that magic unfold in real time.

So whatever it is… a run, a HYROX, a CrossFit comp, a weightlifting meet… just do it. Not to win, but for all the things you’ll learn about yourself and the world around you. Do it for joy, in celebration, and be proud that you did! You’ll never regret achievement.

@pharosidyllwild will have a booth for the 5k/10k as we are one of the sponsors and you can sign up with our team… but we will be out there supporting everyone. See you on the course!

PV