Monday, April 25, 2011

Everything went wrong?

Or did it...

Friday evening was a rush. I can’t say it was the way I imagined it would have happened but all the pieces appear to be falling where they need to and at the right timing too. I am finally breaking away to where I want to be running! It’s funny when we visualize a race and imagine the way we want to see it planed it out; we want it so perfectly done…yet that is hardly the case. 

Why is that? Perhaps it is because when a turn of events happens, we have the least amount of time to think about. The only option one really has is to just roll with it because well things happen and its part of racing.
It’s funny because from this all we find parts of ourselves that come through when we least expect it. That strength that is hidden; there is always more than we suspect. A friend of mine told me, “What’s the worst thing that will happen? You run slow. That’s it.” And that honestly is the worst thing that will happen, and it happens. 

Just roll with it and see how you could have more control than you anticipated.  Change up the pace. 5k at sub 18 pace is feeling more natural to my stride. How far under could I go.



Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Who keeps you running?



Hope this sparks a little bit of inspiration on your next run, but also reminds us who keeps you running. Well for me, it was my high school cross country coach, as crazy as he may be I learned the most I could ever learn about running while running for him. It was because of him, our team took in the realization that the limits on the human body are from what most believe.
 
Talk about eating, sleeping, and running. That was our lives for those four years of high school and we absolutely loved it! There were absolutely no regrets about it because we were living the dream of running. Traveling and racing together; breathing in everything there was to know about the sport which became our passion solely on the dedication of our coach. He had very unique ways in drawing us in, but he taught us all we needed to know. Yet even now years later, talking with teammates we still have the urge for our high school philosophy. Running has truly taken me places I never would have known, and this is where it started.




Thursday, April 14, 2011

Once A Runner


Since I just started this blog, I want to give a better understanding of it. First off, to recognize the title one should have read the famous book, Once A Runner. If you haven’t read it ….then shame on you and get a copy! Every competitive runner could relate to this book through the physical pain we suffer, to the mental uniqueness of hanging for what feels like dear life in a race. Here is quote to impart you with some thoughts of your own trials and perhaps reflect on how you hope to overtake them over your miles to go.

     "He wanted to impart some of the truths Bruce Denton had taught him, that you don’t' become a runner by winning a morning workout. The only true way is to marshal the ferocity of your ambition over the course of many days, weeks, months, and (if you could finally come to accept it) years. The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials. How could he make them understand?"
                                                                                  - John L. Parker Jr.  

Seeing myself in the book, I decided to make it my theme. I want to write about my experiences and how running is a huge part of who I am. This is small way for me to voice to the world my passion in the sport, through my thoughts and images. So enjoy! And hopefully I could enlighten you a little with my reflections.  

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Finish Line

All track and cross country athletes have felt the sentiment of the finish, yet most skip over that instant of serenity. No matter what the outcome of your race, there is that moment, swift as it may be when one crosses the finish the line; we are at peace with ourselves.  Just as it came, the moment is gone and the emotion and fatigue has settled. 

As brief as it is, it is an instant where we are content with ourselves and our surroundings.  Sometimes this feeling is overlooked. For the first time, I was quite aware of it this past weekend when coming across the finish line.

I had a time in mind, in which I did hit that time, feeling content with myself and those around me. I know I had finally found that right balance with running; a struggle I have had since starting my collegiate career. There was no overwhelming weight hanging on me anymore. My passion is still there and only growing stronger, after a tug of war with the past seasons. I feel more comfortable than ever before. 

Next time you step on that line, remember to cherish that moment when you cross it, for the flash of gratitude.