When I over-indulge, I have this flawed notion that if I run a km or two more, I will be able to burn off my excesses. One of the first myths that was busted for me when I began running was that running more doesn’t necessarily mean you are fitter. Research shows that after expending about 2000–35000 calories per week (about 30–50 km of running), the body hits a plateau. Exercising above that has negligible effects.
Running a marathon is about challenging yourself. Any seasoned marathoner will tell you about the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction they experience after completing a marathon. Even if they began running to get fitter or lose weight, that is no longer their main motivation.
If you want to exercise just to get fitter or lose weight, you can also do it with a half hour intense run or workout and keep a strict tab on what you’re eating.
The flawed thinking of more is better seeps into other areas of life.
Working longer hours because it makes you feel productive doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting more done.
Having more items on the menu doesn’t mean the food is great.
Having more funding doesn’t mean guaranteed success.
Every time you are tempted to think that more is the solution, ask yourself these questions:
a) Is my thinking about this flawed? (This is a very important question. When I was training for my first half marathon, I believed that running was the solution to all my health problems. I paid scant regard to nutrition and rest and eventually paid the price in more ways than one. The experience has made me a little wiser.)
b) Is it getting me closer to my goal? (Many a time, long hours and stress occur because of lack of clarity and direction. If what you’re doing isn’t getting you closer to your goal, it doesn’t matter how much time or misplaced effort you spend on it.)
It sometimes helps to spend a little more time on figuring out if there is a better way of doing things rather than blindly throwing more time, money or resources at the problem.
