Practice every day prepares you for the big race.
On day 165 of my running streak I was able to hike down and up the Grand Canyon in one day with two of my 20 something sons and their friend. The only training to prepare for this 12 mile down and out was three miles per day. We were all a little nervous about how I would do with these very physically fit young men and by the end of the day they were all impressed that I not only kept up, but at times lead the pace. It was a memorable time and I am so grateful that my daily running enabled me to spend priceless time with them.
On day 249 I ran a half marathon and I was again concerned that my conditioning wasn’t up to par. The longest distance training in preparation for this race was seven miles while still running the three mile minimum daily. Thanks to a great pace partner I crushed my best time by almost a minute per mile. These two tests of my endurance have shown me that doing the work, day in and day out, even when it is boring and you don’t want to do it, is important and prepares you for the greater challenges.
Isn’t life a little like that too. The daily habits, big and small, add up to the big things.