It is out there, for all of us. To have and to hold and do what we will with it. Short for some, long for others. Easy for some, hard for others. Slow for some, fast for others. Fun for some, Real for others.
However you define it and almost without exception running is good for all of us. Whether it is for the Available Truths or simply just the social element, we all have our reasons for running like and how we do.
It is always my burden and privilege to try and advocate for each and every one. Especially those up front.
Its not often that I quote another writer two days in a row, but Toni Reavis, in his blog yesterday says this better than I can. Summing up his position on the Competitor Group’s decision to defund elites.
“At the same time, an athletic enterprise often does come down to heart as the head has long since offered its two cents, especially in an event like the marathon. After twenty miles the body says, “I got the point, it hurts, let’s stop”. This is when the heart takes over, and it’s what makes the accomplishment at the end so rewarding. There is perseverance involved, an overcoming. But running hasn’t been marketing that aspect of itself lately. In fact, I heard a coach lamenting about some new athletes the other day.
“I hurt, I hurt,” they kept saying before they stop and walk. They can’t push past the pain barrier. You need to train to hurt, the old ‘it hurts so good’.”
Fitness is like armor, but you have to forge it. In the early boom years that was a well understood concept. Today’s runners have softer expectations. They haven’t been taught to compete, either among themselves, or with themselves. ”
Amen Toni, amen.
And now some Commonwealth items:
1954 found the games in Vancouver, British Columbia.
1962 in Perth, Austrailia.
1998 in Kuala Lampur.
1982 in Brisbane, Austrailia.
Filbert Bayi of Tanzania leading the 1974 Christchurch, New Zealand 1500 meters and setting a new world record of 3:32.20. You can watch the exciting race here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhC-1W9QTE
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