Las Vegas has Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, and people flock there to “hit” their lucky numbers. Runners on the other hand have PB’s and PR’s that we try to “hit” when we race or run. It is very easy to get caught up in the numbers racket regardless of what level of runner that one is because there is so much emphasis on, “how did you do”, “what was your pace”, or “I need to PR/PB” for I did not do well the last race or training run. God forbid you are a Back-of-the-Packer for folks just “shun” you like the plague.
When I first started running I got caught up in the so-called numbers racket because everybody around me was doing 8-9-10 minute miles and I was happy with at 12:30 on a “good” day. I would have a few good races where I could bring my half marathon in under 3:00 hours but not on a consistent basis. I know one has to do speed work, fartleks, hill training, 24-7, and that sort of time I do not have. Am I that type of runner, do I want to be that type of runner? Maybe not! After I began to accept that certain numbers were not attainable for me (at least not without some serious work), I took a different perspective on the whole numbers thing. I started running to lose weight and to become healthier. If I get a few good times in along the way when running then that is all well and good. Everybody and every “body” are different in terms of how they run, the reasons they run, and the goals to run for. It used to bother me when I felt I didn’t measure up to those who were faster for I would apologize for being slower. WELL NO MORE!! If you have a need for speed then the pavement is yours. A lot of running clubs state they have a pace for all runners and that is not so. That is why I usually run alone for most do not run at my pace. When I push for a particular PR or PB it’s for ILA and nobody else. I compare myself to MYSELF for when I beat my last times that is an accomplishments for me. Don’t get me wrong, I admire those who can really kick some ass-phalt, they are built that way, train that way, and work hard for it. I also kick some ass-phalt for I am not on the couch, I get my miles in, and I cross the finish line like everybody else.
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June 2016
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