I run when I get inspired.

For example, after watching Casey Neistat’s video for Nike I ran every day for a week.

And most recently, when a few of my friends entered local 5Ks and 10Ks, I was inspired to take on another running challenge.

I run, not because I love it, or because it’s easy for me but because of the incredible mental stamina displayed by those how do and the reminder that it’s good to do hard things.

However, doing hard things by yourself isn’t as fun as doing it with friends. So, with two friends, we set the goal of running Stanley park, a 10K.

This required some training.

For the next three weeks we trained. Running when we didn’t feel like it, and certainly when none of us would have run of our own volition, in Vancouver rain, and heat. It was because of a mutual goal that we persevered.

Finally the designated weekend came. The weather was beautiful and after a lunch of hearty pho, which I attribute a portion of my success to, we went to our starting point, Harbour Park.

Within the first 20 minutes of the run I remember thinking “This is not easy”, but we kept going.

And after reaching the half way point I thought “Still half to go?!” Even after the training we did do, this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. Finally, with 15 minutes of the run left and being unable to feel either of my feet, we kept going.

Allow yourself to find inspiration from those around you, try things you wouldn’t have on your own. Because, together you can accomplish so much more.

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