Heart like a wheel, mind like a wagon – A lifelong runner’s perspective on the daily search for meaning, value and experience.

Author: Alex Hetherington, MCM Race Director

This phrase paints a vivid metaphor for the balance and persistence in a runner’s life. Let’s break it down and explore its implications:

• “Heart like a wheel” suggests a sense of rhythm, resilience, and propulsion. A wheel moves forward, absorbs shocks, and maintains momentum, symbolizing a runner’s drive and emotional core—steadfast, adaptive, and enduring. For a lifelong runner, the heart might also represent their deep passion for the activity and their commitment to navigating life’s ups and downs.

• “Mind like a wagon” introduces the idea of the mind as a vessel or carrier. A wagon can symbolize how a runner’s thoughts, memories, and experiences accumulate and are carried along the journey. Wagons need maintenance and direction; similarly, the runner’s mental state requires mindfulness and care to stay aligned with their goals and values.

The interplay of these metaphors highlights the daily challenges of finding purpose and fulfillment, not only as a runner but as a person navigating the human experience. Running often becomes a meditation, a space where physical exertion aligns with mental clarity, helping untangle life’s complexities.

This perspective resonates beyond the running world—it reflects the universal search for balance and meaning. The heart drives us, while the mind carries the weight of our intentions, dreams, and the lessons we learn along the way.