“By a persistent effort of will it is possible to change the whole body. The athlete must always keep in mind this concept of change and progression. He must never accept his limitations as being permanent, because they are not”.
– Emil Zatopek
A year of tragedy, challenge, and perseverance. It goes without saying that 2020 will go down as one of the the worst years in recent history. The last major pandemic of this magnitude occurred in 1918 killing 50 million people worldwide. Right now 1.8 million people have died from the Coronavirus and the numbers are continuing to rise particularly in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. I apologize for the grim statistics. The good news is that hospital workers and other high risk individuals are already seeing some relief from the release of various COVID-19 vaccines.
With almost 2 million lives lost and thousands of individuals struggling financially people are looking for a light at the end of the tunnel. A glimmer of hope to get them through the day. Since late March life for me and so many others has felt almost unbalanced with one day bleeding into the next. The worries have been monumental. Nevertheless I try to focus on the things that I can control in my daily life. It all starts with gratitude. Despite having my own personal demons with anxiety and depression I try to remember the positives in my life. Embrace life and everything it has to offer. Along with faith the major factors that have kept me going through my darkest days have been my running, strength training, family, and my amazing friends on social media (Twitter and Instagram).
Regular exercise and online social interaction with dear friends have been my saving grace in the last year. Lifting me up whenever I fall and reminding me that anything is possible. From the bottom of my heart I am grateful to each and everyone of you that has inspired me along the way. YOU know who you are. Thank you!
With just my bodyweight, a pull-up bar, running gear, and sheer determination I managed to get myself in quite possibly the best shape of my life. Almost 20 years of running and I had one of my greatest years of training ever. It was hard not having any races but just getting out the door for my daily runs gave me the courage to face any challenge that came my way. It’s amazing how something as simple as going for a run can change the outlook of your entire day. For me it changed my life. A runner since February 2001 and I’m still going strong today. It’s truly a passion.
Thinking of the great runners that have inspired me along the way I remembered one my all-time favorites Emil Zatopek. He wasn’t the most talented runner on the track but he made up for it with his unwavering passion, determination, toughness, and commitment to excellence. Looking at his races all you have to do is look at his facial expression as he sprints towards the finish line. One of the most driven runners that I have ever seen. Zatopek was willing to die for the sport he loved. A four-time Olympic gold medalist it wasn’t his victories or records that made him special it was his desire to overcome the most impossible odds. People like him give me the courage to go after my own dreams. Thank you Emil Zatopek! The running world loves and misses you very much!
As I leave 2020 in the dust and enter 2021 I remember the lessons that it taught me. Life is uncertain and nothing lasts forever so you must seize every opportunity. Hold on to it and never let go. Life is precious. Life beautiful. Don’t waste it. Embrace it. Face it. NEVER SURRENDER.
Happy New Year!
Alex Reid
Move At Will 