learning to flow

I know that I have begun the process of transforming my body, mind, and soul into a sub4 miler. I know that as my clarity grows, I gain a deeper understanding of who I truly am. I had a glimpse of it today, feeling it in my body as I ran up the hill on Bellevue Redmond Road. I was a sub4 miler on an easy Sunday run. On that same run, in another vivid visualization, I felt the joy of arriving at the finish line in my first sub4 mile. I felt what it was like to cover my face after crossing the finish line and achieving my improbable goal. I cried each time that I did it. It was real.
I know what it feels like. And now I am learning what I must do. I am learning who to follow, how to live, how to run and train and breathe and eat and think. I am making dramatic shifts in my mental composition and my physical composition. I am learning how to transform my body on a deep level, how to process energy more efficiently, how to master the art of fluidity. As energy pours through me, I am growing stronger every day.
I am learning how to reverse aging. I recognize that I am uncovering the 22 year old inside of me, and he is just as healthy and strong as he’s ever been physically. But emotionally, mentally, spiritually- I am way stronger.
There is much to learn in this transformation process. It is an extensive process, but there is a way to go about it, just like a long Sunday run, where I can put forth my utmost dedicated effort and the effects will leave me feeling refreshed and energized. I know this to be true. I am embarking on a journey of inner transformation that will express itself in 3 short years, in the context of an efficient, powerful sub-four mile.
This is not about speed and natural ability, for me or any other runner. To be sure, these gifts have their place. But for me, this intention is being realized on a much broader scale, in every single area of my life. My beliefs, my discipline, my focus, my visualization skills, dedication, the awareness and removal of my self-imposed limitations… these are the places where I will see the most growth. I am learning to apply myself with disciplined focus, to play full on, to gain clarity in places I have ignored or avoided in the past. Not only am I learning to push through my previous barriers of pain, but I am redefining “pain” altogether. Pain is the physical sensation of fear leaving the body. I am learning to be relaxed and at ease when this blessing occurs.
This goal is a microcosm of my life. This is not merely four laps around the track. It is the model for my entire belief system. This is the blueprint for all my future successes. This is a defining moment in my personal pursuit of excellence. Sub4 requires excellence in all areas of my life. It is a worthy pursuit. I am not a champion because I am an emerging sub4 miler. I am a sub4 miler because I am an emerging champion.