I listened to an individual talking about the possibility of running a marathon. He did not know that I had any experience. He was so confident, so filled with myths and ideas (some good) that I decided to keep my history to myself unless I was asked.
On reflection, I realize he was holding three myths close to his heart. Each is an opposite of a mantra I always want to have within me. His thoughts included the following.
I can train casually. His logic was built on a series of statements. I am in pretty good shape. I exercise regularly. I can already run 10k. While I can refocus what I am doing, I just need to do more than what I am already. Nothing special. No disciplines. No additional testing. I am nearly there, so just a bit more and it will be fine.
I will decide on the day and in the moment if I really want to run. If I am not feeling well, then I will not do it. I am confident I will be ready, so I will let my body decide. Mentally, I am confident I know what I can take, so I will let nature give me my clues.
I do not need to learn from experts, guides. I do not need to use a training schedule. I know my body and myself. I can evaluate, measure, and build on what I can see. I know others have gone before me, but I am confidant my way works for me.
In listening to someone talk while ignoring everything that had gone before, I realized that my experience led to different knowledge and beliefs. I believe in the wisdom of our fathers, the need to commit, and the importance of disciplines. It is a series of beliefs that I share with everyone I know that has run a marathon.
In the quietness, I remember an old whisper; “Now listen, daughter, don’t miss a word: forget your country, put your home behind you.” (Psalm 45.10) Knowledge always starts with listening.
