Kings of the Trail #168
- Luke Jarman
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Go Further & Explore More...
"It is the fight alone that pleases us, not the victory."
Blaise Pascal
We live in a world of comfort and ease, where taking the path of least resistance is the default option. A complex world full of the latest ‘advice’ offering magic hacks, shortcuts, quick fixes and revolutionary techniques to save us time and effort to achieve the results we want, without the hard work. This noise can conflict with our long-term goals and values; rather than making the process easier, it adds complexity and makes the hard work and persistence that is really required more difficult. Indeed, we must learn to love the ‘fight’, to be able to revel in the hard work and dedication that comes from discipline of the routine. We can think of our future self and how it will feel to have chosen the hard path over short term benefits and ease. Psychologists call it 'episodic future thinking' — the ability to vividly imagine different futures and, crucially, to feel them before they arrive. This doesn’t need to be how it will feel when we reach the finish line or hit our goals and achievements, but for those of us who are drawn to the mountains and the long miles, it can be the climb. The suffering. The quiet satisfaction of doing hard things well. When we anchor that imagined future to what we actually value, we stop chasing outcomes and start craving the process itself…
Until next week, be safe and enjoy the trails...
For some, the idea of sitting on the beach or traipsing around ancient monuments doesn’t sound like a fun time, but taking on a tough challenge does…
Hike up a mountain, fly back down, then hike back up…for 24 hours continually…this amazing achievement sets a new world record…
Finding the right shoes for you, the conditions you are running in and the type of running you are doing can be a challenge…these signs will help you find the right pair for you…
It's OK to Forget the Fight and Enjoy the Forest
Could this be the antidote to today’s chaotic world of deadlines, doomsday headlines and constant information overload? This stressed out writer headed to the trees to find out...
📸 Estoril, Lisbon, Portugal
Back with a banging electronic tune this week…it is too apt to not include. Not only is this one a dark, deep, but uplifting number, it also contains some good advice for long distance runners and readers of this newsletter…”run slow, don’t chase, just flow, the path will know, where to go”…
Each week, I update the Kings of the Trail playlist with a new selection of music. Like trail runs or hikes, the playlist will be varied and eclectic, but hopefully, there will be something for everyone to enjoy…
Comments