I thoroughly enjoy running marathons and am so looking forward to getting back to participating in them. They are a tremendous challenge. 26.2 miles worth of experiences, lessons, suffering and joys.
Despite the superficial differences, marathons remind me a great deal of training in Systema. In fact, I dare say that one has helped the other, which in turn, helped the first etc. etc.
If you run to win a prize, this article is not for you. If you run to check off something from the Bucket List, this is also not for you. If you run just to beat your prior time, ditto.
I once saw a man who climbed the highest 7 peaks in the world, a tremendous feat in its own right. Add to the fact that he was blind and it seemed like an impossibility if not for the fact he did this. In a post-climb interview, someone asked him, “Why do you do this?” With a huge smile, he replied, “Some people collect coins or baseball cards. I collect experiences.” That moment changed my life. It is EXACTLY what I wanted to do – Collect experiences, but not just any kind. Experiences that will impact my life and ones that I could share which would improve the lives of others. Those are the ones I wanted and still want to do. Marathons are in this category.
During marathons, I have had the opportunities to speak with many people from around the globe. Some of there stories were entertaining. Others heartbreaking. Others left such a deep impact. It was because of experiencing mile after mile after mile that such opportunities presented themselves.
Erase the word “marathon” and insert the phrase, “Training in Systema” and the sentences were be virtually identical in meaning. Experiencing things from taking strikes to meeting people from the other side of the globe are commonplace. Learning from others and taking this information and sharing it with my group here in Orlando has been a true gift in Systema.
If you want to continue to get good at Systema, train in Systema. If you want to get great, maybe through in a marathon or 3!
Central FL Systema 