A Passion for Running

I really enjoy visiting other running blogs and it looks like some of you are starting to visit mine. Yesterday, I realized I need to say something to those of you who obviously come here out of bad taste and who may be doing some comparisons between how fast or far you and I can run.

That “something” is that you are where you are with your running so be proud of your accomplishments and don’t compare yourself negatively to how fast other runners are or how far you can run in comparison to them.

I truly believe this and am confident most other runners worth their salt do as well. Why? Because we all started in the same place – at the beginning putting one foot in front of the other. Furthermore, 99% of us are not talented runners. For us, it takes a ton of hard work and dedication to improve – just by getting out the door we are doing something very special.

At this moment, you might be slower than me (just for the record – it’s more likely you are faster!) and may not be able to run as far as I can but I can guarantee you four things:

1 – I was where you are.
2 – You will be where I am now if that is what you choose to do with your running.
3 – I can be as impressed with your accomplishments as you can be with mine.
One of the most awesome comments I’ve ever heard (I think from an elite 2 1/4 hour marathon runner) was that he/she was most in awe of people who run 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hour marathons. The point the elite was making is that it is an incredible feat of determination to be on your feet for that amount of time! Isn’t it cool that a speedster like that could respect and admire someone like us?
4 – Just like you, I have good days and bad days. There are days I should run and don’t feel like it and there are days when even one mile ran slowly feels like a marathon.

Having said all this, I think there is a place for “comparing yourself” for lack of a better way to put things. A great reason to compare yourself to others is to use them as inspiration for how far you can progress! I believe runners can learn and feed off the improvements, triumphs and even failings of other runners and, I suppose, that is part of the lure we have in visiting other blogs. It really is inspiring to see other runners struggle and improve and it is equally valuable to support them in darker days.

One last thing – there is absolutely nothing wrong if your goal is simply to continue running at your current speed or distance. If you run purely for the joy of running and have no aspiration to get faster or run further – that is terrific. After all, you are kicking the crap out of all those couch potatoes who will never experience the beauty of running in a rain shower or bonding with a friend while pounding some pavement.

Now get out there and run!

(I guess I’m just a sappy, corny kinda guy…)