As I was running some last minute Christmas errands this week – dodging cars and running from store to store, I heard a ring. It was the bell of a Salvation Army volunteer outside of the store I was entering. At that moment, it resonated with me seeming to silence everything else around me. I needed it. It was calming amidst the craziness and brought me back to the center of what Christmas is really all about. Just a simple bell – cutting through all the busy.
As endurance athletes, we have the pleasure of hearing this bell often. It is found in that morning run in the silence or that lunchtime ride that seems to leave the world behind. It is in these moments of quiet, peaceful training that we often get to think about life with the clearest perspective. These are the moments that are more special to me than anything else in the sport. These are the moments I will never give up.
I hope this Christmas you can cut through the busy and appreciate those special moments. Whether a run or simply more time with your loved ones, I encourage you to look for and appreciate the quiet ring of that bell amidst the busy. We all at Endorphin Fitness wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Be More. Live Red.
Michael Harlow
EF Founder & Head Coach