“What a great way to live…I can live on tangents but have a sort of purpose and do all these tasks”
RUNNING A MARATHON, ONE MILE EVERY HOUR
In a world where time often rushes past, where life’s true essence is often overlooked, Australian creator Beau Miles emerges as an exemplar of deliberate living, finding profound significance in simple acts. An award-winning filmmaker, writer, and adventurer, Beau identifies as a “poly-jobist,” perpetually exploring new experiences that challenge everyday norms and offer applicable lessons for one’s life. His YouTube video, “Running a marathon, one mile every hour,” is a much watch for anyone looking to shake their daily routine, or get a few extra miles into their running routine. This video exemplifies his philosophy of living intentionally and purposefully. Here, we delve into Beau’s unique experiment and offer a guide on how you can attempt running one mile per hour yourself.
BEAU MILES’ PASSION FOR RUNNING
Beau’s love for running is evident; he openly expresses his passion in his YouTube video titled “A love letter to running.” He has undertaken remarkable runs, including 43km along a hidden railway and has run 650km through the Australian Alps. On his podcast “The Making of Marathon My Age,” he describes running as a core part of his identity. Though Beau is an accomplished runner this particular challenge wasn’t just about physical endurance. It provokes new perspectives of how we structure our daily activities and what is achievable in a day. Its broader impact and unconventional approach attract a diverse group of people, including busy professionals, parents, and casual runners looking for an engaging and attainable challenge.
THE IDEA
Beau draws inspiration from Cliff Young, an Australian farmer known for training in gumboots on his farm. Similarly, Beau owns a property that is precisely a mile around its perimeter. This sparked his idea to not only run a full marathon but to “exaggerate the potential of a day.” His plan entailed running around his mile-long block 26 times over 24 hours, effectively covering marathon distance. In the intervals between runs, Beau engaged in various activities—crafting, cooking, and tackling miscellaneous chores.
THE CHALLENGE
Beau embarked on this challenge for several reasons. Initially, it was about reconnecting with practicality, stepping away from screens, shedding some weight, and accomplishing long-postponed tasks. The marathon morphed into a multifaceted challenge that fostered meaningful achievements and created a rhythm integrating physical activity with various tasks. It offered a chance to test his limits and discover a balanced lifestyle that harmonizes creativity, physical health, and practicality.
LESSONS LEARNED
Throughout the challenge, Beau experienced a significant epiphany: living purposefully can indeed incorporate tangential activities linked by a common goal. He also observed the malleability of time—how it can expand or contract based on one’s activities or mental state. This realization highlights that time is more than mere numbers on a clock; it’s shaped by the intentions we set for each moment. Beau’s approach changed the way he viewed daily routines, allowing for a fluid experience of time and recognizing potential in every moment.
Moreover, Beau’s challenge serves as a template for thoughtful living, urging us to find purpose in the mundane. The intervals between runs demonstrate how routine moments can be transformed into opportunities for productivity. Like the Pomodoro technique, breaking down a marathon into hourly segments makes larger tasks more manageable. Each new hour provides a fresh start, helping to recalibrate focus and shed distractions.
Beau’s venture goes beyond running and task completion; it challenges conventional beliefs and redefines limitations. Through his experiments, he uncovers a universal truth: extraordinary moments are boundless and can emerge from any situation. His journey encourages us to infuse everyday tasks with purpose and embrace the extraordinary in the ordinary.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM BEAU'S CHALLENGE
- Multiple Paths to Success: Beau's approach challenges conventional notions, suggesting multiple methods to achieve a goal.
- Importance of Taking Action: Even the smallest actions can inspire and motivate further achievements.
- Variety in Fitness: This challenge provides a novel method to enhance one’s fitness regime.
- Breaking Free from Routine: Beau promotes living 'on tangents' with an overarching goal, offering a fresh way to break from the mundane.
BLUEPRINT FOR RUNNING A HALF MARATHON, ONE MILE EVERY HOUR
Why should people with hectic schedules consider this challenge? It offers a chance to see life from a new angle, change perspectives, and undertake a path of self-discovery. This challenge goes beyond physical demands; it encourages deep reflection on time management, goals, and achieving a balanced life. It’s a method of self-experimentation that fosters personal growth and meaningful life improvements. Below, you’ll find the necessary equipment, a guide, and tips to embark on your own Beau Miles-style marathon.
What You'll Need:
- Running Gear: Comfortable clothing and proper footwear.
- Timer and Alarm: To track your hourly runs.
- A Predefined Route: A measured lap around your block or yard.
- A List of Tasks: Various chores or activities for each break.
- Lap Tracking: A method to monitor your laps, like a tally or fitness app.
Steps to get started
- Schedule a Spare Day: Ensure you have enough time to complete the challenge.
- Map Out Your Route: Plan a convenient circuit near your home.
- List Your Tasks: Include a mix of brief and longer tasks.
- Recruit a Companion: Share this unique fitness journey for added motivation.
Hints and Tips:
- Manage Your Time: Keep an eye on the clock between laps.
- List Item #1Stay Hydrated and Fuelled: Keep water and snacks handy.
- Select Manageable Tasks: Choose tasks that can be completed in short bursts to maintain motivation.
Ultimately, Beau Miles shows us that the extraordinariness of a day lies not in its length but in our engagement and the meanings we create. His philosophy encourages a life filled with wonder and possibilities, where extraordinary moments arise from stepping beyond conventional paths.
As Beau himself put it, he had the ultimate day of fixing, creating, running, and living fully. Now, what kind of extraordinary day could you create through such a unique fitness challenge?
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any mentioned parties. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the channels or creators mentioned in this article. All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners.
