CHASE THE PAIN has been one of the most exciting projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on with the team at SPARTAN in collaboration with Craft Sportswear. First and for most, we’re not talking about debilitating physical pain here. We’re talking about the willingness to accept the mental pains of being disciplined, making sacrifices, and having an unwavering commitment to being great or achieving a goal. Sure, if it’s a physical feat then some “pain” may involved, but we were actually talking about the mental struggle.
You want to drop 20 pounds? You better believe it’s going to be a pain to do it. You want to launch a successful business or land a promotion? You better believe that’s going to be a pain. If you want something, you need to face challenges, and CHASE THE PAIN. I have a feeling some of our long-time HFP followers get it. At least I hope so.
After interviewing countless elite athletes, world-class coaches, business leaders, and everyday warriors, something that always stands out when asking them about what it takes to be successful is that they are not, or were not, afraid of pain. Pain means doing what it takes, no matter how hard it is. Nothing comes easy. I can also personally attest to that. I was able to accomplish all that I’ve accomplished, physically and professional by being wildly disciplined and focused. And nothing came (or comes) easy.
But more recently, in an interview with professional runner David Laney, we asked him what goes through his mind on mile 20, 60, or 80 of a 100-mile run — something that more than 99% of people would never think of doing. He said, “nothing much, it’s painful.” But — as a cruel twist — those long, painful runs actually give him focus, clarity, and even peace. And in that moment, the idea of creating something special, and in this instance, for Spartans, a community that absolutely lives and breathes that sentiment, became a reality.
After dozens of brainstorms and dozens of design rounds that were — at times — more painful than others, we came up with CHASE THE PAIN, and produced a limited stock of premium performance T-shirts. You can try and get one here if you dig the message, but only a limited supply was produced and it’s pretty much sold out.
We knew it wouldn’t be for everyone. We knew many wouldn’t understand it. And we know a lot of others probably hate it. But at the end of the day, winners aren’t afraid of tough things. They chase them. Because they know the high is on the other side of the lows. The good comes from the temporary discomfort.
We ran around Brooklyn and took them to one of Spartan Race’s toughest courses (#4, to be exact). Then we shared it all on social media. That was the fun part of putting in all hard work. And here’s the thing: This is a project and opportunity will stick with me forever. It will remind me to always work hard and be disciplined and it pays off.
CHASE THE PAIN. Feel the high. Please train responsibly.
I’m curious to hear what you think. Send me a DM on Instagram @mike_simone or @humanfitproject
CREDITS
Design Work: Dylan Shrier
Photography: Dylan Shrier and Respective Collective
Film: Respective Collective
+ many others in Spartan Marketing
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