Less is More...

Simplicity: the condition in which something is easy to understand and to do

" Most of us tend to be overly concerned about how many miles we are getting in, watches, heart rate monitors, etc. and lose touch with the essence of simply running. We shouldn't let the planning and analyzing interfere with doing and enjoying."
- Joe Henderson


It is great to be dedicated to your sport, to your job, to your school work, to your friends....however, there comes a point where you have to just take a moment and simplify these things. When you care deeply about something it is hard not to get caught up in doing everything perfectly...when we aim to do this, we can become obsessed over numbers: miles, hours spent on studying, minutes spent on training, and time spent on planning out meals and schedules.This is when running or working becomes "hard" or "impossible" or something that you dread doing because it is taking so much energy.

I am not saying being planned, working hard, or being prepared is a bad thing. What I am saying is that these little things are just "little" things- if you obsess over them they take your mind away from what really matters- which is simply the act of running or working. When we act simply we can hear the natural messages of our body saying, "I need more time off" or "I can go further" or "This is the best I can do today" The little things like being focused too much on mileage will sometimes force your body to do things it naturally does not want to do. And trust me, you will pay for it in the end if you let obsession be your ears rather than what your body is actually telling you. Just because your neighbor works 60 hours a week does not necessarily mean that you have to either- if working 40 hours a week is what you can do and you get quality work in, than there is no need to do more. The same thing goes for mileage in running- high mileage is not for everyone so if you know it is not for you or it is not working for you (even though you might try and convince yourself) do not force yourself or fret over doing more.

Extraordinary performances usually derive from pure acts of simplicity- this is in part due to less complexity, anxiety, and pressure. So instead of worrying so much about doing more- do less but make it quality and be at peace.

Simplicity is key.