HAVE YOU TAKEN THE PLEDGE

Most runners are unusually health conscious. They have read extensively about injuries, including their prevention and treatment. They know the basic rules of running; and the things that will get them into trouble. Some are more knowledgeable about the reactions of their own body than a general practitioner. Because of this they usually have a great deal of success in treating their own injuries.

There are times, however, when they violate their own rules. Circumstances arise which cause them not to eat right or to neglect their training. Embarrassment or a desire for fellowship may prevent their stretching properly. Wanting to be part of given group may lead to their running too far or too fast. Their competitive spirit kick in at a time when they know logically they should back off. Any of these things, and dozens others, can put their running in jeopardy.

When a runner breaks the rules in any serious way, injury usually follows. Amazingly, they usually know what they did and right when they did it. They know there is a price to be paid, often in pain and in the time involved in recovery. Even when they come back it is still takes more time to get back to where they once were. NO wonder, then, that we all dread such low points in our running.

Then comes the pledge: "JUST LET ME RUM WITHOUT PAIN; AND I'LL NEVER DO ANYTHING STUPID AGAIN!" If you are a runner, it is not really a question as to whether you have taken the pledge. It is more a question of how often have you had to take it? Doesn't it seem that for most of us it has to be renewed every three months or so? We wonder why, since we know that we were deeply sincere when we made the promise before; but there may be another answer to our problem.

It may be that we are being too hard on ourselves. We may even have forgotten, for the moment, who we are. We are runners: competitive runners. That involves, at least at times, putting everything on the line. We are dreamers of impossible dreams. We run most of the time on the thin edge of endurance. We are constantly searching for the invisible line between the possible and the impossible. We are determined to give it our best; and to let the competition know that we are in the race. You simply can't run that close to the edge without sometimes crossing the line and getting yourself into trouble.

Why not just accept this as part of who we are and what we're doing, rather than berating ourselves for stupidity? Competitive runners are going to get hurt. Injuries are just a part of running. You can be as careful as possible (and you Should); but the hurts will still come. You can't test the limits in every race; and avoid them all. To do so would change you into something you don't want to be.

So when the pain come, renew your pledge if you need to; but don't get down on ourselves. Playing it safe all the time is still for joggers and not for runner's. Just try to learn from every mistake. Determine not to go far across the line before you turn back. Respect your own limitations; but don't let that keep you from doing your very best. Just pay the price for your last mistake and move on. There are still few things that can match the thrill of going a little farther or a little faster than you thought possible. This is simply a part of the joy of running. May that joy continue to be yours!