Hey Runners!
Here’s a great article to read. I came across this through Running Time Mag website. The author, David Alm, talked about his experience while training with the elite runners and what he had learned from them. It really puts a perspective on why we run and what we want to get out of it… and how we can implement it all to better ourselves as a runner, a person & help others.
being an elite has surprisingly little to do with leg speed. It’s about attitude, about not drawing lines—neither ruling out possibilities nor dividing between levels of runners.
You know, I truly do believe that “positivity spawns more positivity” and it is so important for each of us to use that positivity to encourage one & another. It isn’t a competition of how fast we are compared to the other person. We all have heard the saying…
But this doesn’t stop some runners from becoming jerks: the teammate who only talks to others who can match his pace; the guy who chats you up at races only to brag about his times; the training partner who makes obliquely insulting comments under the guise of friendly counsel. Nor does it stop us from biting back, or worse, allowing such remarks to influence our self-esteem. And this can turn us not only against other runners, but also against ourselves.
There is nothing wrong with being competitive but I do believe in friendly competition. We all have a lil bit competitiveness in us. I know I am. Nevertheless, the true spirit of being competitive isn’t about putting someone else down so that you can feel better. OR because that person who has the same physical attribute/statue as you, doesn’t run the same speed as you, it doesn’t mean that they didn’t train hard enough. Focus on your own training, take tips of those who run faster than you so that you can improve on your own performance, or share your tips with those who want to better themselves. Personally, I applaud everyone who gets out there & pound the pavement (regardless of how fast/slow they run). “If you run, you’re a runner.” It’s all about the attitude in the end!
4 Keys to An Elite Attitude
1- Don’t treat training runs or race times as indications of your self-worth
2- Value every runner’s efforts, success and potential
3- Don’t beat yourself up in training or in evaluating your workouts and racing
4 - Recognize that your running ability is a result of many factors, not just how serious you are or how hard you push
Have a wonderful run, everyone!
Xoxo
Becca
