YOU DON'T HAVE TO WIN TO BE A WINNER

That sounds somewhat contradictory, doesn't it? Too many of us seem to equate winning only with the picking up of trophies. It is obvious, however, that especially in running this is far from the truth. In fact, in our sport sometimes just showing up is a victory. That makes all who are present winners in their own special way.

Some of the runners that I have come to admire (and perhaps envy) the most seldom, and maybe never, get a trophy. Yet, they are always there. They support running. They cheer for the winners. They have a very positive attitude toward what they are doing, without any of the stimuli that others of us seem to need. So many seem to get their motivation for running from the complimentary remarks of the announcer, going forward for an award, getting their name in the paper or the acclaim of their fellow runners. This is what gets them out the door for their next training session. Some do not want to run at all if they can't win or even if circumstances would have them listed with a poor time. They know only one kind of winning.

These of whom I speak, however, are self-motivated. They get by without these external things. They just train, run; and keep on running. They have already won a victory that others of us find elusive. I may never be the winner that I believe they already are.

First, they are winner's over disappointment and discouragement. Just think, would you run regularly if you were in their place? Would you even pay for a race if you thought that refreshments was all you were going to get? That would take an attitude adjustment for many of us; but they have found a better definition of winning so the problem, for them, is already solved.

Then, they DO win over their own competition. Most of them know of others who run at about their pace; and they watch for them in tile races. They may be minutes off the winning time for an award; but they still take satisfaction in finishing ahead of that certain person. That, to them, is a victory.

They are also winners over the sedentary life style of many of their friends, who allow themselves to age before their time. How many of us know even young people who are badly overweight and already old beyond their years? How we wish we could get more of them involved in running! At whatever pace and for whatever distance; but at least to live a more wholesome life. These are already doing that; and they deserve our admiration.

We pay tribute, therefore, to those who run in the middle or at the back of the pack. What would our races be without you? Even the winning of trophies wouldn't mean much without you there! In truth, you are already better in some ways than most of us will ever become. We want you to know that you are winners every one! You continue to be an encouragement to us all. Please continue to do just what you are doing now; and keep on running. . . and winning your victories.