Running Towards Clarity & Connection

In our hectic lives, with so many things pulling us in different directions, it’s never easy to find quality time to think clearly about what truly matters

Where do you find that space for deep thought, especially when faced with tough, pivotal decisions? For me, it’s during my morning runs. Beyond the physical and mental health benefits, running helps me achieve a remarkable level of mental clarity and structured thinking.

Unless there’s an unavoidable reason, I always start my day with a run. It’s during these morning sessions that I process a multitude of thoughts, organize ideas, and make crucial decisions. There’s a profound sense of meaning that comes from enjoying the fresh morning air, feeling the sweat on my skin, and knowing that important tasks and challenges have been clearly mapped out with specific directions. For bigger, more complex issues, I dedicate my weekend long runs to deep contemplation. These are the moments when I’ve made some of the most significant decisions in my life.

Interestingly, with this sole purpose of running, I never intended to participate in races. However, thanks to the gentle “lure” of my best friend, I’ve found myself running two 21km races since late last year. One of them was the Ironman last month in Da Nang – a truly wonderful place with its stunning beaches, mountains, warm people, and incredible food. My wife, our friends, and I enjoyed a four-day trip together: two days for the competition and two days for exploring. It made me wonder if, as we get older, we have fewer opportunities to spend quality time with our closest friends. I can’t recall the last time my best friends and I took a long trip together. Back in the day, we were inseparable, rarely doing anything without each other. Now, with each of us leading our own lives, getting together is a rare treat. So, it’s also thanks to running that we had this opportunity to reconnect. This trip wasn’t just about the joy of finishing the race; the endless conversations and laughter throughout our journey made me feel more connected to my wife and my friends than ever before.

Running doesn’t just provide a fertile ground for my thoughts; it also strengthens my bonds with the most important people in my life. How truly wonderful!

Thank you to anyone who’s read this far. I wish you continued health, the ability to always be in your best state to make the wisest choices for your life, and enduring connections with those you cherish most.