In an age where technology often seems to dictate our every move, Ian Egan stands out as a testament to the value of traditional methods in the pursuit of excellence. As a seasoned runner with a passion for logging his journey through the written word, Egan's story is a compelling narrative of dedication, learning from mistakes, and the power of self-reflection.
Egan's running journey began long before the era of smartwatches and social media platforms dedicated to fitness tracking. "Running the numbers" for Egan wasn't about algorithms or virtual competitions; it was about the tangible experience of putting one foot in front of the other and the introspective process of documenting those steps.
For decades, Egan faithfully maintained a training diary, a practice he believes holds immense value in understanding one's athletic evolution. Reflecting on his early years, Egan notes a mix of innocence and experimentation, where jogging and other activities like hurling found their place in his records. However, a regrettable gap in the 1990s serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of consistent documentation.
"The diary is an eye into your past," Egan reflects. "There is so much to be gleaned from the past. Mistakes made being the prime example." His entries chronicle the spectrum of experiences every runner encounters—moments of triumph on the podium, battles with overtraining and injuries, and the subtle shifts in mindset that come with age and experience.
The real treasure trove lies in Egan's meticulous record-keeping from 1998 onwards. With a detailed account of every mile run over the past two and a half decades, Egan's diary becomes a narrative of resilience and growth. "It makes for interesting reading and speaks volumes about common sense and consistency," he remarks, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned through years of trial and error.
Through highs and lows, Egan's diary reflects a journey marked by determination and adaptability. "During my best years (01-05), I averaged almost 2750 miles per year," he notes, acknowledging both the successes and setbacks that shaped his approach to training and racing. The COVID-19 pandemic then brought its own challenges, disrupting racing schedules but reinforcing Egan's ability to listen to his body and train intelligently.
"Age is a thief," Egan muses, acknowledging the inevitable changes that come with time. Yet, far from resigning to the whims of age, Egan sees his written diary as a steadfast companion, guiding him forward with each entry. "Its there to guide me forward," he affirms, encapsulating the relevance of self-reflection and documentation in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
In an era where data-driven insights often dominate discussions on fitness and performance, Ian Egan's running journey stands as a poignant reminder of the timeless wisdom found in the pages of a well-kept diary. For Egan, every entry is not just a record but a roadmap—a tool for charting a course towards continued growth and a lifelong love affair with running.