Wednesday, November 30, 2022
The Pursuit of Happiness: Insights from Two Marathon Champions
When it comes to achieving personal goals, many individuals often fall prey to the “arrival fallacy,” which suggests that reaching a specific milestone does not guarantee lasting happiness. For McKale Montgomery and Bryant Keirns, who celebrated victory in the women’s and men’s divisions of the 2022 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, the essence of joy is grounded in the journey itself, a perspective that enhances both their personal and professional lives.
Honoring History Through Athletics
On April 24, over 20,000 participants gathered for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, a poignant event that commemorates the victims of the tragic 1995 bombing. This annual marathon not only serves as a tribute to the 168 lives lost but also fosters a sense of community among those who run to honor their memories.
Training for Victory
Both Montgomery and Keirns are affiliated with Oklahoma State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, and their success in the 26.2-mile race is a testament to their strong work ethic and teamwork. Training together for over two years, these two athletes pushed each other to excel, culminating in Montgomery’s impressive female course record time of 02:41:07.
A Personal Connection to the Marathon
Montgomery’s connection to the Oklahoma City bombing runs deep; she was in fourth grade when the incident occurred and recalls the emotional weight it carried. Each year, a three-minute silence is observed before the race to honor the victims, a tradition Montgomery appreciates. “It’s remarkable how they’ve maintained their mission of honoring these individuals while expanding the event’s reach,” she commented.
Balancing Life’s Demands
As a dedicated runner, assistant professor, and mother, Montgomery embodies the principle of continuous improvement both in running and in her professional endeavors, which include cancer research and Alzheimer’s studies. She recognizes the significance of balance between her various roles, stating, “I’m never going to be done with my job. So it’s kind of nice to have that balance between running, research, and caring for my daughter.”
The Importance of Enjoying the Process
For Montgomery, achieving goals goes beyond mere accomplishment; it’s vital to savor the journey. As she prepares for potential Olympic trial qualifications, she emphasizes the need to relish the experience rather than focusing solely on the end result. “What I’m really working on right now is not just setting goals but remembering to enjoy the process,” she explained. “Whether I get funding for this grant or qualify for the Olympic trials, it won’t be the end.”
Teamwork and Mutual Support
The camaraderie between Montgomery and Keirns, who have trained together for years, has proven mutually beneficial. Keirns, who secured his first career win at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon with a time of 02:24:51, acknowledges that their joint training sessions help him maintain a competitive edge. “If I can handle her workouts with whatever mileage I am doing, I just like to help because she has helped me quite a bit over the years,” he stated.
Emphasizing Long-Term Goals
As both champions continue to seek improvement, they recognize the value of consistent training and long-term planning in their running careers. Keirns, now in his sixth year as a doctoral student, emphasizes that “you’ll overestimate what you can do in the short term and underestimate in the long term,” reinforcing the notion that every step they take contributes to their growth. Their journey exemplifies the idea that success is not solely based on the finish line, but on the everyday commitment to their craft and each other.
Ultimately, Montgomery and Keirns remind us that true fulfillment lies in the journey of self-discovery and relentless pursuit of betterment, allowing them to inspire those around them in ways that extend far beyond mere race results. To learn more about their stories and insights, visit ASPIRE Magazine.
Story By: Bailey Sisk | Photos By: Chris Barnes and Provided
