Making A Louden Swain Effort

I was running across a bridge which spanned high above the river below. About midway across my thoughts drifted to the opening credits of the movie Vision Quest which I had seen on TV just days earlier. The opening credits had the main character running across bridge after bridge. When I saw this movie in the theater when it first came out back in the 80’s I didn’t think much about the opening scenes, other than feeling some motivation to run.  Now, after seeing it approximately 30 years later I’m still motivated to run, but I think; “man there are a lot of bridges in that town!”

Vision Quest is a classic 80’s sports movie about a high school wrestler named Louden Swain who is the champion of his weight class.  However, he’s not content to just remain champion of his weight class. He wants to drop down two weight classes to take on an undefeated wrestler named Shute (pronounced Shoot) who is widely viewed as unbeatable and everyone thinks Louden is crazy to even consider taking him on. But Loudon Swain had a vision of himself as a champion and is on a quest to make that vision a reality.

He becomes focused on his goal and does everything he can to achieve it. This includes eliminating  self doubt, ignoring negative talk from others, following a strict diet and even running to and from work to get in shape and burn extra calories (in a classic metallic silver 80’s style sweat suit no less).

It’s always interesting to see a movie years after it originally came out, especially an 80’s movie, because I am no longer viewing the film through the eyes of a teenager. As an adult it is easy to have a more critical eye. However, with Vision Quest I don’t see the film as being better or worse, I just see it different. For example, Louden Swain’s quest for more is a great metaphor for life.

At some point in our lives, or even multiple points, we have our own Shute to wrestle, figuratively speaking. We have a challenge to take on that may seem almost insurmountable. Or, like Louden Swain, you may not be content with where you are in life and have a desire for more. 

Taking on the Shutes in life is never easy. Everyday there are obstacles and challenges that try to stop you. Many times people begin their quest but become easily discouraged when they encounter obstacles. Sometimes the obstacles come in the form of an event, sometimes it's a person or persons, other times it's something else. In today’s hectic world there are certainly no shortages of potential obstacles that could interfere with fulfilling your quest.  

Making a vision a reality is never a simple process. If it was everyone would be doing it. Not everyone is willing to put in a Louden Swain type effort. In the film there is a scene where Louden goes to tell Shute that he plans to wrestle him. He finds Shute in the stands at the football field. Shute is doing his workout, which involves walking up the bleachers carrying a log on his shoulders. This is how our obstacles may look at times, slightly intimidating by sight. But those who approach life with a Louden Swain effort (are persistent, stay focused, ignore negativity, and are determined) have the ingredients for success.

Spoiler alert; as expected Louden Swain defeats Shute. Don’t let knowing this stop you from seeing the film though if you haven’t already done so. The story is all about the journey, plus it has a great soundtrack and it might just get you motivated to train.

Thinking of this film during my run gets me pumped up to keep running. I make a note to myself that I need to get the song “Lunatic Fringe” by Red Rider on my ipod, which is one of the songs on the soundtrack. I think I’ll pass on the metallic silver sweat suit though.