I've come to recognize that I'm not a very competitive person when it comes to running and races. I'm becoming less concerned with pace, more focused on how I'm feeling and my body; heart rate training has really changed my focus, I think.
With the 30k coming up, I've thought a lot about the difference of "running the 30k" and "racing the 30k". Btw, I plan on running the 30k..
My thinking soon became -- Why should I care so much, what am I trying to prove? To who?
My mom certainly never thought I'd be a runner.
My dad? He might be silently proud, in his own way; doing something he did... but it's so silent that I'll never know.
My son? Quite the opposite... he's already very proud of me, and even told his friends when I ran the HM, which I had posted about here last year. I still gush and think about that conversation every time I'm near a certain route; which I was tonight.
Sure, it's nice to prove the nay-sayers wrong, those that never thought you could or would, do all of you have some "doubters?"
But wait! I've already beat my main competition! I've accomplished a lot more than the girl that did nothing in her spare time; the one that took life for granted, and didn't seem to be really passionate about anything. I've challenged myself more than that other person, pushed by body far beyond what I thought was possible... she never would have; she would have given up a long time ago. Clearly, she never felt these highs and lows -- the feeling of crossing any finish line or an injury forcing you to stop doing the one thing that you want to do so badly.
I've kicked the "old-me's" @$$! The old-me sucked! Too bad the old-me needed brain surgery to figure this all out! :P
This is more of a victory to me than hitting a certain pace or time; but that's just me.
39 comments:
I think it's important to concentrate on how YOU feel while you run instead of how fast you are going compared to everyone else.
How sweet that your son is so proud of you! My boys love that I run and that I'm going to be in a marathon. My oldest keeps thinking I MIGHT have a chance to win. ha ha ha
Perfect attitude!
You have a great attitude. I have to admit to feeling competitive sometimes, but lately I have been telling myself. Run your own race, this is your own goal. I find I run better and I at peace with how I do. I think we all have different motivations, but I never want running to become, report every run, every pace, competitive experience. That said, I still like to improve and run my very best.
You have a great attitude about the running, Mel.
I just read my comment and I am not sure it made any sense, time for bed, LOL!
I think that's an awesome way to think about running. Your son should be proud!
Sounds right to me! My goal is just to be a better version of me!
Love your attitude!
I was a happy couch potato...until my hubs said lets get moving!
Now I'm a very happy runner. I know I'll never win a race but it doesn't matter.
The feeling I get when I cross that finish line is priceless!
Keep the inspiration coming...watching how you run is really helping me see what I need to do to become a better runner...for me
yea the only person you ever really have to compete with is yourself. and we stay ahead of the couch potatoes all the time. that's one of the things that i like.
Great attitude. We should all work on just bettering ourselves and not worry about other people.
Awesome post. Beating the old me, that's a great way to look at it.
Amen sister! Great post.
I hear you girl! This was a most excellent post :-)
AMEN!
I'm with you. Great attitude!
I also had some doubters when I first started running- I remember clearly my dad saying that there is NO WAY that I would ever run further than out to the mailbox and back...
Now, those people are very proud of me. I have people stop me and tell me that they heard about my latest race/marathon from some of the same people who doubted me the most when I started running back then.
The old you has NOTHIN' on the new you. You have a great attitude, a HUGE list of accomplishments and many more good things to come. Keep at it!
Nice post.
I'm my own worst unbeliever.. (or at least was)
I'm not out to prove anything to anyone but myself. I'm still working kicking the old me, but I'm getting there.
Super attitude and I also smile just thinking about what a cool role model you are for your proud son. I also think learning to just focus on yourself and not the external stuff and comparisons to others is a huge accomplishment both in running and as a metaphor for other aspects of how you live-- yes, you're a great role model indeed!
Yes!
so awesome and such a great attitude :) love it!!
Mel i think perhaps I should try to have an attitude like you!! Yeah, I can't be doing what I'm doing and try to run as if I am 22 years old without a broken toe!!!
SO thanks for this post girlie!!!
Mel i think perhaps I should try to have an attitude like you!! Yeah, I can't be doing what I'm doing and try to run as if I am 22 years old without a broken toe!!!
SO thanks for this post girlie!!!
Great attitude!
Shoo asks me at the end of every run and every race if I won. I always say yes because just getting out there is a win.
This is such a great attitude. I know I need that kick in the pants from time to time.
Your positivity is really contagious. :o)
amen, the only person I'm trying to beat each time is me
I ran the Turkey Trot in my town in 2007 and 2008. Each time Ian asked if he could run it with me; I said no because he was young and he wasn't serious and he'd slow me down, etc., etc.
And of course when I ran the trot last November I posted an even slower time than I had in 2007.
And that meant that, even though I had a bum knee, I HAD to race another 5k before the end of the year to feel better about myself.
In that race, there was a guy wearing a Kick Asphalt Philly Marathon Tee and he was there with his wife and two kids. And the kids were maybe 6 and 7 years old. And they all ran the 5k. And so Mom and Dad ran with the kids and stayed with them and at one point Mom was even giving the little girl a piggyback ride because the little girl was tired and couldn't run on her own.
And the parents were both veteran and accomplished runners.
But they "sacrificed" (that's too intense a word, but you get my drift) this race ... for their kids.
And I felt like sh*t for not having been willing to do this for Ian when he had asked.
And I've already told him, "Ian, if you want to run the Turkey Trot with me this year, you can."
And I hope he does, because he is what it's about.
You already know this, Sistre.
It took me awhile to realize it myself. The rest of it - the finish times, the age group placings, the hardware - it is nice but it is essentially meaningless and beside the point.
I run to stay healthy.
I want to stay healthy so I'll be around to witness as much of Ian's life as I can because his life is more important to me than my own. And raising him may be the most important thing I ever do.
And it is a very important thing.
And I think you know this already about your own life, sistre. I think you have the right perspective on your life.
And I'm glad you do and I kid you a lot but I am very glad you are around to share that perspective with the rest of us who sometimes need a swift kick in the @$$ to remind us of what really matters.
I totally agree with you!
Certainly seems like you have your head in the right place. These races are one you've worked hard for and you deserve to enjoy.
Sounds like you are physically and mentally prepared! I love your attitude and after much self-beating I have come to the same conclusion. Enjoy yourself!
you have the right attitude mel! it's not about everyone else or the clock, it's about beating yourself. (the lesser traits of yourself anyway like you said) i love this post :)
I must be PMSing because G's comment damn near made me cry!
This was a great post! One of my favorite things about running is that it doesn't have to be competitive at all.
Sounds like my "old-me" and your "old-me" would've been friends. The kind of friends that sit around and do nothing all day. Blech! Here's to the better versions of ourselves!!!!
you've come quite a long way. you should be very proud of what you've been able to accomplish. Congratulations
Rock on, Melanie!!!! Your son is lucky to have you as a role model mom. The old you is lucky to have the new you doing great things.
Oh man, such a good post!!! Just what i needed :)
Well said, Mel! Keep rockin' :)
Great post, Mel. Very inspiring. You are doing the right thing, focusing on how you feel rather than how fast you are.
You should be proud of yourself.
Awesome post. I think we run for ourselves.
Amen !!! I am with you. I truly love your attitude. WTG !!! We have to think for ourselves when its so easy to think about themselves. You sound more like Dean Karnazes to me these days!
I am most competitive with myself. Why out un-needed stress on yourself. having your child proud makes all of the hard work and sweat worth it in my book!!!
Well said!
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