Quote of the Day — Shalane Flanagan on Her Training Mindset
“In the midst of an ordinary training day, I try to remind myself that I am preparing for the extraordinary.” — Shalane Flanagan
Preparing for the extraordinary is the effort we make, rituals we create, the inner psychological work we do, that sharpens our intention and paves the way for something wonderful to happen. Sometimes it is in rigorous conceptual preparation, other times in silent prayer. Sometimes it is in learning to tolerate discomfort, other times in preparing oneself for bold action.
C.S Lewis said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” Ordinary training days are often filled with more hardships and challenges, both expected and unexpected, than we’d like. But it is these hardships that shape us. They may seem ordinary, and at times far too frequent, but our chosen response to ordinary tough times is what will determine our response to difficulties we’ll face on race day when it counts and there are no do-overs.