SEARCHING FOR AN EDGE

Not long ago I came across the resuits of a frightening survey. Ninety seven runners were asked if by taking banned steroid or performance enhancing drug they could win an Olympic Gold Medal, with the assurance that they would never be caught, would they do it? Out of ninety seven only three said they would not. Then they were asked if under the same circumstances(again with the assurance of never being found out) they could win Olympic Gold but with the knowledge that the enhancer would limit their life expectancy to five years, would they still do it? MORE THAN HALF SAID THEY WOULD! This seems to be a sad commentary both on the value of our society and on our definition of what it means to be a real winner.

It reminds me of those who have devised elaborate schemes to enter the middle of a marathon or to cut a race short; and then claim victory. It would seem that a trophy from such an event would be a constant reminder of the cheating done to get it. First, winning without honor is no victory; and, second, anything about running that endangers your health is the very opposite of one of it's greatest potential benefits! It would be hoped that this kind of conduct will continue to be repulsive to every true runner. Winning is never more important than honor, health or your own self respect.

Yet we all like to win. It seems to be instilled in us from infancy. Whether it is a group of kindergarten children or elite runners, we want to come in first.  The fires of competition are easily stirred and difficult to satisfy. This makes all of us wonder what it will take to make us better. Even when we run alone we are looking to improve.

This has created an ever-expanding market for performance enhancers of an approved type.  These include energy bars, special drinks, moisture wicking clothing and lighter racing shoes. it has also encouraged an unlimited number of home remedies. The bottom line is, we are all searching for an edge.  We want to find something to make us faster, to make us feel better, to put us ahead of the competition.

Within limits this can be a good thing.  It is just part of running, of being a contender. It is associated with being a smart runner; but still using things that every other runner has available to them. This keeps the competition fair. So one runner has a special drink for just before race time. Another has chosen carefully what to eat early that morning. Another has included speed work on a track the week before. While still another has a pair of light shoes reserved only for race day.  These are legitimate ways of putting yourself at the front of the pack and running the best race possible.

Some have found vitamins to be greatest asset. Multivitamins and dietary supplements are big sellers today, since they not only may improve our running but help our general health as well.  Others swear by their speed training; and almost all are unusually conscious of their weight and eating habits. This has made runners as a group better read about health issues.  They are well aware that anything which improves their health will potentially improve their running as well.

You may have to do a lot of experimenting in your search for an edge.  Some energy bars or drinks may be better tolerated than others.  Even a flavor can make a difference. So find the ones which suit you best. Listen to other runners. Read good articles; but never forget that you are unique. What works for others will not necessarily do the same for you. You must chart own course.

Surprisingly, even in double blind tests for performance enhancers, some who get only a placebo (the equivalent of a sugar pill) improve just as much those who get the real thing. This would indicate that you must not ignore the physiological. SO ANYTHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF, THAT MAKES YOU FEEL MORE LIKE A RUNNER, WILL IMPROVE YOUR RUNNING! It may be something you eat or an article of clothing. It may be something you do the night before or in the minutes before the start. But search it out. It is your secret. It will give you a lift. When the race starts, it will give you an edge.  AND when you have an edge, competitors must beware, for on this day you are going to be hard to beat!