If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

I went to Zumba class yesterday after a long time. I haven’t been doing much cardio for past few months, while recovering from a foot microfracture, and I thought I will check how my foot holds up. As I entered the class, the instructor asked if I was new in the class, I said yes. He said if anything feels tough, make it easier for yourself, remember to just have fun. As I tried to follow his steps, I noticed there were two kinds of people in the class. There are some competitive folks, who are too serious, focused on getting their steps right, and there are others who are there to just have fun, and cheering each other on. During water breaks, some of them walked up to me and said, don’t be intimidated, you are doing good, I am with you, keep it up. Some were showing me steps. After class, they gave high-five, for sticking with the class till the end, and some took group pictures. The introvert, awkward me felt included, a part of a tribe.

I had run several races in the past — 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, etc. and volunteered at some races. I noticed the same pattern. The first pack of runners are the competitive runners who are only focused on their goal and will not be distracted. After the first few, the remaining runners are just there to have fun at the race, cheering each other, waving and high-fiving the spectators and volunteers. They will stop at water stops, to say thank you. They help other runners who are dragging themselves to finish line. Not to say, competitive runners will not stop to help, but you see more of that in the later corrals/slower pace groups. I have experienced it first hand many times. 

The same is true with biking and hiking as well. Once the first pack takes off, the remaining bikers/hikers stick together, and helping others along the way, encouraging one another. When I biked the Seattle-To-Portland race many years ago, those were the people who helped with my flat tire, offering their food to share and checking if I am doing okay, that too people who I have never met before. Same with my hiking experiences as well. 

I was reminded of the quote, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”. Also a gentle reminder to self to remember to do things for the joy of it than chasing after a dangling carrot.