Jan 12 2009
A support group
I believe in community. Whenever we work as a social network we tend to be more active. The peer pressure immensely helps build endurance and will. The more people you reveal your goals the more you are shy of not meeting the expectations and you tend to work hard. I have myself experienced this innumerable number of times.
To quote a recent example I pledged to walk 21 kms after a hard day at office. I told and almost bored my colleagues with my plans. They seemed very skiptical and did not believe me. Not that I never did such thing but walking for four hours was something they could not digest. Their doubts made me decide that I will walk.
Fortunately for me during the first 12 kms I was joined by three of my colleagues. I was walking at about 5kms per hour. It was not a brisk walk, I could talk and think while walking. The only challenge was somewhat cold weather, and urge to eat. After the first 14kms however things started to pain. My calfs were most hit and I was felling the heat. It was as if I had gained a lot of inertia. I knew it was a mental block, human body can endure anything. The mind plays a game with the body. This is the time when the expectations I set came to my help. I became really angry, blood gushed my knees and lesg and I pushed furthur. I completed 18 kms that day. 2 kms short of my target, but not bad after a hard day at office and no good food. Thanks to my friends thinking of whom adrenaline was secreted in my blood. Next time I pledge to run 21 kms.
Also I am walking a full marathon this Sunday the 18th. This one is special one for me. Its my tribute to the victims of Bombay carnage.
Needless to say I am going to tell everyone about the marathon, about my good health and plans. Raising expectations is ceratinly the way to do things. Underpromise and overdeliver.
