December 31, 2011

Happy New Year Ultra Runners!


I’m not usually one to look back, but this time of year brings out the nostalgia in me. Why not? I don’t have any new year’s resolutions neatly typed up. In fact I don’t have any new year’s resolutions period. I don’t even have a goal for 2012! Oh my!

More to come on that topic. In the mean time I’m happy to be putting my feet up and celebrating the end of 2011 tonight with my wife, sans kids. This last year was particularly gratifying to me because I think I finally learned how to listen to my body and better understand its peculiar ways. Yes, its taken me 48 years to do this, but progress is all I’m looking for. Relentless forward progress.

And the simple things. They matter the most. It really is true. This year I discovered this on my way through the Southern California Ultra Grand Prix. Racing every 3 weeks when I could barely walk the week before. It made me see why the journey is better than the destination. The journey brings a cup of coffee before a race. A laugh with friend on a long climb. The dancing glimmer of headlamps strewn across a canyon below. What does the destination bring? Pain! Self doubt. Can I do this again in three weeks? Ouch. This stuff hurts! 

Keep the faith ultra runners!

And have a happy, happy, new year! 

11 comments:

Paulie B said...

Happy new year. Thanks for sharing your last paragraph, can't agree more. Life is all about the journey and living in the moment.

Will Cooper said...

Thanks sp. Live now. Tomorrow we may...

Rachel said...

you had quite the momentous year! wise words, though. happy new year!

it's all about pace said...

I have much to learn about tistening to my body... maybe I'll get it this year.

Wishing you the best this year.

Mike said...

Happy New Year Will, I too have learnt to listen! thanks for that and best wishes for 2012

EricG said...

Happy New Year to you and your family Will! The journey is the paint, the brush, the canvas and the creativity. The destination is just a painting. Peace E (Hope we can catch up in 2012)

Saltwater Runners said...

thanks all, I appreciate your comments as always and, remember, keep the faith!

Jordan Hanlon said...

Sounds like quite a year you had, I could agree more life is about the journey, best of luck in 2012.

Park run Harrogate said...

Great Blog! All the best for 2012!!

Planet of the Apps said...

I couldn't get my shin pain to leave. Started trying Custom Orthotics. Any opinion on that?

geoffreystanley said...

Hi! I just drop by to say thank you for an endless support and inspiration. Your writings somehow lift up our spirits. Thank you so much! Provillus