Why I train & the importance of nothing

If Carlburg did training… they’d probably not do it as well as me!

This morning I spent over 2 hours in a swimming pool. It gave me some time to question my life choices.

Once a month, sometimes once a week depending on my levels of insanity, I get the nagging question… “why don’t you take a rest” or “you could just not run today”. I understand it comes from a place of love… but frankly I want to pile drive a Lime Bike into a combine harvester when I hear it.

Since the age of 19 I’ve been addicted to one form of exercise or another. Started with boxing, dabbled in Crossfit, then moved to F45 and finally stumbled upon running. I’m sure many addicts feel the same, I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to hear the message. Like an oxycontin pill popper, without my daily fix, I don’t function very well.

Long after my runner obsession ends, when the body finally says no more to pounding tarmac, I’ll still be churning out the hours of exercise in one form or other. For me, the routine, the movement, provides an anchor to my day that centres me. I sure there’s a control element. I know there’s something each day that is 100% in my control. In a world so full of uncertainty, its nice to know that in my small corner of the universe there’s one thing in my power. I get that for many, it’s un-relatable. but honestly, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself or my time… maybe I’d take up pottery or crocheting.

Most comments come in the wake of a marathon. I get it… most people run one and are done for life. They did it for the medal and to say they’ve completed a marathon. However, that’s not the case for me. I don’t run to complete events. I don’t do marathons for the medal. On occasion I enjoy the ego boost from saying my marathon time… I can’t deny that. However, without a doubt, no fibre in my body wants a rest after a race. I wake up on the Monday after a marathon and start pounding pavement again. I’m not a hero or wanting praise. I just don’t feel I have an option. I need to do it. It makes me a better person.

Everyone is different, but the best way I’ve found to deal with life is through movement. Unchosen suffering is going to happen in life. Shit’s going to hit the fan… and it will suck. Unfortunately, that’s life. People die. People get cancer. People get hit by cars.

However, running is chosen suffering. If anything it’s a privilege… I remember this most when I’m injured. I see too much on Instagram around how hard marathons are and negativity around the training. Bullshit. There’s this narrative that you’re built different if you’re smashing out long training days or doing all these marathons. Again bullshit. You’re not build any differently to Susan from accounts or financial controller Dave. You’ve chosen to do it… so enjoy it or move on. Stop moaning online about how hard it is because you think you’ll get clicks. I bet there’s a lot of people who’d trade places with you in a heartbeat.

Casey Neistate did a fantastic video on Sisyphus and his goal of breaking sub-3.

I have a slightly different take. I almost don’t want to reach the goal… I actually don’t really have a goal. I love the journey. I love ticking the box every day. I don’t love a Monday (I’m not that guy… anyone who says they do is lying) but I enjoy opening Strava to see “Your Weekly Snapshot” all back to zero. I’m not some self improvement junky. I’m not going to start snorting nootropics or doing plasma transfusions like Bryan Johnson. But I do feel like exercise makes you a better, more stable person who’s far more pleasant to be around.

Nick Saban gave a lecture to a press junket about “The Importance of Nothing” : "You get up every day, you're entitled to... nothing. Nobody owes you... nothing. You could have talent, but if you don’t have discipline, if you don’t execute, you don’t focus, you get nothing. If you’re complacent, and not paying attention to detail, what does that get you? Nothing. So, nothing is acceptable but your best. Everything is determined by you trying to be your best. There should be nothing else but that for everybody."

This summarises my thoughts perfectly. Especially when it comes to running. Talent mean nish. Every morning, post exercise clarity hits. I’m a more rational, nicer person who’s ready to attack the day and my meal prep. I don’t live an exciting life. Most days are a carbon copy. Train, eat, shit, sleep repeat. Not something the history books will remember. However, stacking one good day after another over the course of a year makes a huge difference.

So, when I can’t run, I switch it up. Cross training like swimming or cycling will never fully simulate running. It’s not the same modality so won’t get the exact same training benefits. However, my head doesn’t understand that.

Maybe one day I’ll find more balance. I’m sure anyone who actually knows me will realise that’s not going to happen for a long time. Balance is something I’ll never do well… for starters not sure how any psychopath can go “for just one” pint. I also would argue nothing great ever happens from balance.

Apologies for rambling on but I only had my own thoughts to entertain me during my swim this morning… so thought you all had to be punished too!

Much love,

Hugo xx

(Caveats: high levels of dyslexia. Grammatical error king. Slays spelling incorrectly… you’ve been warned).