Unleash Your Running Potential:

Discover the Power of Your "Why"

By Dr. Tabitha Price, Psy.D, Clinical Sports Psychologist

"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." — Marilyn vos Savant.

In the summer of 2020, Tommy “Rivs” Puzey an accomplished endurance athlete with significant achievements in marathon and ultramarathon running, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer called Primary Pulmonary NK T-Cell Lymphoma. Doctors were initially uncertain about his prognosis and whether he would be able to return to running. His condition was so severe that he spent months in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator. Remarkably, Rivs defied the odds and returned to running the NYC marathon in 2021 and the Boston marathon in 2022, taking walk breaks and sharing his journey with the running community.

His story is one of unparalleled resilience and determination. Rivs found strength in his deep connection to purpose, embodying his belief: “Keep moving. You’re still here. As long as you’re moving, you’re still here.” This belief has continued to inspire as he completed the 2023 Boston Marathon in 4:53:44 and the New York City Marathon in 4:41:57, showcasing the power of understanding one’s "Why."

As you prepare for your next race, seize this moment to set ambitious goals and elevate your running journey to new heights. Dream big, without limits, and visualize your greatest achievements. These dreams are the foundation of your future success. Setting long-term goals ignites excitement and motivation, essential for athletes at any level. It’s easy to lose motivation or alter goals, but maintaining momentum is the real challenge. As the Gatorade slogan says, “You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.” The choice is always yours. Persevering through difficulties and setbacks is the true test of your strength. Setting goals provides a roadmap to success, yet fear of failure can often derail us.

Connecting with your deeper purpose fuels perseverance and unlocks hidden potential. For runners, this is crucial for reaching your full capabilities and achieving extraordinary results. Athletes who excel maintain a clear vision and purpose, guiding their decisions and actions. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a pro runner, understanding your "Why" helps maintain motivation and focus during difficult training sessions or races. This deep connection to purpose fuels perseverance and resilience, essential for long-term success in running.

Understanding your "Why" is crucial for achieving remarkable athletic success. Knowing your core purpose can drive extraordinary achievements. Originally applied to business, this concept is equally powerful for athletes. Greatness comes from a steadfast commitment to core values and purpose, even in the face of challenges. This principle applies directly to your running journey—staying true to your "Why" helps you achieve greatness.

Why do you run? Write this question down and let it speak back to you. Discover your true purpose for running. Write your answer and read it every day before a training session. This practice is essential because it anchors you in your 'why,' providing clarity and motivation. Understanding your purpose fuels perseverance, helping you navigate through challenges and stay focused on your goals.

Stay committed to your goals and push through obstacles to transform your dreams into successes. Each decision to persevere brings you closer to greatness. Overcoming difficulties tests your strength, and setting goals guides you. Fear of failure is manageable with a strong purpose and resilient mindset As Friedrich Nietzsche said, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." To achieve long-term fulfillment, connect with your core purpose to harness intrinsic motivation, build resilience, set meaningful goals, and maintain mental toughness. Just as Rivs used his "why" to guide him through his darkest moments and back to the finish line, your 'why' becomes a powerful tool, guiding you through every training session and race, ultimately breaking through all the barriers.

To apply this concept, reflect on:

• Why: Identify your core purpose. Why do you run?
• How: Determine methods that align with your “Why.” How will you achieve your goals?
• What: Define specific, measurable goals. What do you want to achieve?

Benefits of Understanding Your “Why”

Understanding your “Why” is crucial for several reasons:

1. Intrinsic Motivation: Engaging in running for its inherent satisfaction leads to sustainable motivation. For instance, running to inspire your children is more enduring than running for medals.
2. Resilience: A strong purpose helps navigate setbacks. If you run to raise awareness for a cause, your purpose strengthens your resolve during tough times.
3. Goal Setting: Goals aligned with your core values are more compelling. If you’re running a marathon to honor a loved one, your training becomes a meaningful pursuit.
4. Mental Toughness: Athletes with a clear “Why” can maintain focus and composure under pressure. Knowing your running serves a higher purpose helps center you during challenges.
5. Long-Term Fulfillment: Connecting with a purpose beyond personal achievements brings deeper satisfaction. Running eco-friendly events for environmental sustainability, for instance, adds meaning to your accomplishments.