Classes from a 700-day working streak

Lee Alonzo Murphy, an ultra-trail runner from Hubbards, N.S., has been on an unbelievable run streak since Oct. 24, 2022. For greater than 700 days, Murphy has laced up his footwear and hit the paths—regardless of the climate, temper or circumstances, and he’s right here to share the knowledge he has gathered by his run streak.

Murphy’s streak is notable in that he runs a minimum of 10 kilometres each single day, all whereas managing life as a enterprise proprietor together with his spouse, Kate, and their two kids. With first-place finishes in races starting from 10 to 100 kilometres and a spot earned on Workforce Canada for the World Yard Extremely Workforce Championships arising in October, Murphy’s dedication speaks for itself. Right here’s what he’s realized from his epic run streak.

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Lee Alonzo Murphy and household Picture:

Consistency equals energy

“Consistency equals energy. Not simply bodily but additionally mentally,” Murphy explains. His streak isn’t nearly logging miles; it’s about exhibiting up, it doesn’t matter what. He credit this consistency with not solely preserving him injury-free for greater than 700 days but additionally serving to him develop the psychological toughness to deal with life’s challenges. Whether or not it’s coping with shin splints or life’s curveballs, Lee finds energy within the behavior of every day working: “I can lean on it when life throws a wrench into my plans,” he says.

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Lee Alonzo Murphy 2024. Picture: Jodi Isenor

Discover your ardour, then go all in

Earlier than working, Murphy struggled with substance use. However after getting sober 12 years in the past, he discovered a brand new obsession: working. “Now I’m a every day runner with an identical technique for a profitable life,” he shares. This shift to a constructive outlet not solely reworked his bodily health but additionally introduced success and objective. He likens his ultras to “frequent benders,” the place he will get to push his limits and expertise new highs.

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Lee Alonzo Murphy 2024. Picture: Jodi Isenor

Embrace the problem, reap the rewards

Murphy admits that some days are tougher than others. “I’ll sit within the porch and stare at my footwear, however finally I’ll get out and be glad I did—each time.” It’s this dedication that has led to exceptional bodily, psychological and emotional health. For Murphy, the rewards transcend simply crossing end strains. Operating has turn into his method of staying grounded, wholesome and able to tackle no matter life throws his method.