At most seminars that I gave during my run across America I was asked, “What is next?” After all what could be bigger than running across America?
Next – meaning what is literally next at the end of my run.
Next – referring to my next BIG thing.
And – next – as in what is my long-term goals?
I didn’t know the answer to the first two questions during my transamerica run. I had no idea, no plan and few ideas to what was next after finishing. I knew I was going to be speaking during my book tour and motivational keynotes for the rest of the year. But I didn’t know what was next for my BIG thing. After all, how do you top running across America?
On and off I thought about running across America again. But this time to beat the world record of 46 days. Of course I thought about doing it again when I was feeling good. I also said, “no way in the world I am doing this again” on days that I felt bad. And there were many painful and physically difficult days. That idea of breaking the record for a coast-to-coast run still lingers in my heart, although I will not commit to it any time soon.
Shortly after getting home I started researching different ultra running events. I have my eye on a few big events. Many of them I cannot get in until next year because I missed the cutoff dates.
When someone does something so big like landing on the moon, gets a gold medal at the Olympics, retires from the military, competes in something huge like a marathon, or any other big life achievement, there is a post event let down. I don’t say depression because that a little to strong of a word in most cases. You may feel down and wonder, “now what?” And if you don’t pick something new to challenge yourself to go bigger and do more than ever before, you may end up in a downward spiral.
For me, my next big thing is running in the Leadville Trail Marathon in Leadville Colorado this 4th of July weekend. This is a big challenge for me because of the altitude, the terrain and the insane elevation climbs. This is one of the hardest marathons in the world. Top athletes finishing near the four-hour mark (as compared to a little over 2 hours for a flat marathon).
There is no risk for me to break any records in Leadville. This is about finishing. I expect a little under a six-hour finish. This marathon is also training for my next BIG event. I’m not going to reveal it just yet, but let me give you a clue and say that it is about breaking a running world record on the most difficult course anywhere.
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So what’s you next big thing?
Move boldly forward to create the life of your dreams. Superstars act in spite of their fear. Dream Big and Act Big!
