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Running seems like its own thing. I often suspect runners are doing a kind of public penance. Not as many CEOs or executives sailing, skiing, playing rugby, let

Running seems like its own thing. I often suspect runners are doing a kind of public penance. Not as many CEOs or executives sailing, skiing, playing rugby, let alone power lifting or martial arts these days. If choice of sport is a reflection of the culture, I'd be interested in what it might mean that so many of the people we elevate have taken up running.

goldenchrome 6y ago
My theory is that long distance running and being a CEO are similar pursuits. They both involve using a great deal of willpower over a very long period of time to achieve results. I’ve found that a CEO isn’t the smartest person at a company, but they are the person willing to eat the most shit in order to earn money and respect. Once you get into the rhythm of being a CEO, most of the difficulty is existential. Out of any sport, long distance running most closely matches that mindset.
DoingIsLearning 6y ago
Running is an activity that exposes you to the fact that you _can_ push past far beyond what you initially thought was possible. It's a raw realisation that your body was designed to take so much more than what you use it for. There is something really primal about that. I don't know enought about the science around it but I suspect it will be a combination of hormonal transients plus the _hypnotic_ repetitive motion (it becomes almost near 'sensory deprivation' after a long enough distance). I've played/tried most of the sports you listed but nothing I tried (expect for maybe swimming) really mimicks the intensity of the running experience. I can definitely see how that empowerment feeling and insights (plus the runners high) would appeal to C-level people who typically self identify as having high grit and drive.
cafard 6y ago
1. I run to enjoy myself. 2. When I was in my 20s, running races, I seldom hit the 2/3 mark without wondering why I was there, and half-promising myself I wouldn't do it again. 3. I don't get the feeling as often as I did in my 20s, but there is a great feeling when you are in condition, fall into a rhythm, and feel as you could run like that all day. 4. It is the perfect sport for a lazy man. You don't need to book a court, find a tennis partner or spotter, drive to the slopes, etc. You just lace up the shoes and head out.

goldenchrome 6y ago

My theory is that long distance running and being a CEO are similar pursuits. They both involve using a great deal of willpower over a very long period of time to achieve results. I’ve found that a CEO isn’t the smartest person at a company, but they are the person willing to eat the most shit in order to earn money and respect. Once you get into the rhythm of being a CEO, most of the difficulty is existential. Out of any sport, long distance running most closely matches that mindset.

DoingIsLearning 6y ago

Running is an activity that exposes you to the fact that you _can_ push past far beyond what you initially thought was possible. It's a raw realisation that your body was designed to take so much more than what you use it for. There is something really primal about that. I don't know enought about the science around it but I suspect it will be a combination of hormonal transients plus the _hypnotic_ repetitive motion (it becomes almost near 'sensory deprivation' after a long enough distance). I've played/tried most of the sports you listed but nothing I tried (expect for maybe swimming) really mimicks the intensity of the running experience. I can definitely see how that empowerment feeling and insights (plus the runners high) would appeal to C-level people who typically self identify as having high grit and drive.

cafard 6y ago

1. I run to enjoy myself. 2. When I was in my 20s, running races, I seldom hit the 2/3 mark without wondering why I was there, and half-promising myself I wouldn't do it again. 3. I don't get the feeling as often as I did in my 20s, but there is a great feeling when you are in condition, fall into a rhythm, and feel as you could run like that all day. 4. It is the perfect sport for a lazy man. You don't need to book a court, find a tennis partner or spotter, drive to the slopes, etc. You just lace up the shoes and head out.