Reflecting on the Sioux Falls Marathon and the Runner's Formula for Excellence

By: Derrick Ettel

As we close the book on another Sioux Falls Marathon weekend, I have taken time to reflect on what this race meant to so many different runners. Naturally, my first thoughts go to the success stories. The winners. The personal bests. The milestones. These are the moments we rightly celebrate.

But after the excitement fades, my mind always wanders to the other side of the experience.

Disappointment. Frustration. Anger. Self-Doubt.

Running is unique in this way. The sport has a way of tying our emotions and even our self-worth to the numbers on the clock. I know I have been guilty of that myself. Too often I focus so much on the outcome that I forget the bigger picture.

In reflecting on both the highs and lows, I kept coming back to a phrase that has been echoing in my mind.

“Consistent Competence = Eventual Excellence” – Coach Ed Eyestone

Consistent
Can you show up day after day, week after week, month after month? If a setback or injury comes your way, are you taking the right actions to move forward? I often ask myself, “What is the correct step to take in this exact moment?”

Competence
If you look at five workouts and see one excellent effort, three steady ones, and one tough day, that’s exactly where I’d want you. Competence is about stacking good work consistently, not perfection.

Eventual
For me, this is one of the most satisfying parts of the sport. Progress does not happen overnight and it never happens by accident. Many goals are the result of years of patient work. Eventual means it will happen, as long as you keep showing up.

Excellence
Excellence takes many forms. For some it is staying healthy. For others it is simply running for enjoyment. For some it might be chasing a Boston Qualifying time or something even bigger. Each of us defines excellence in our own way, and that is the beauty of it.C² = E² isn’t just a catchy formula, it’s a reminder. Consistency and competence, day after day, are what lead to eventual excellence. Show up. Do the work. Trust that excellence is on its way.