The literal definition of kung fu is “mastery through time and effort”.  Kung fu is often associated with martial arts, but it can be applied to any discipline or hobby.  Kung fu is a crucial element for success at most worthwhile endeavors, from medicine to painting, from football to singing.  In tai chi we have a saying:  “after ten years of consistent and diligent practice, you’re off to a good start.”

I’m finding that kung fu also applies to running.  After a few months of hard training, I’ve had some aches and pains in my knee and ankle, torn a ham-string and consistently fought to stay motivated.  Molding one’s body into a marathon runner’s body is not a quick process.  It requires discipline, focus and tenacity over a long period of time.  In the beginning, I thought that my 20 years of soccer would propel quickly to my goals.  Now I’m realizing that a consistent effort of many months and years is the only path to marathon success. 

Another important aspect of any successful athletic pursuit is diet.  Unfortunately, too many view the word diet as a temporary and transient pursuit of a short-term objective.  We all need to eat, so in a way we are all on a diet.  Like anything else, diet requires kung fu or mastery through time and effort.  When I make changes to fuels we use to create body energy, I don’t think “well, I’ve got to starve myself so I’ll look good in my bikini this summer”.  Instead, I like to think about the consequences of repeating my eating habits over the next ten or more years.  If my diet will lead me to a healthy place over the course of ten years, then I am on the right track.  This attitude is how we fight cancer, improve our health care system and become healthier as a nation.

Don’t forget to practice your own version of kung fu.  Thank you all for reading.

Advertisement