FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF

There are many reasons that people run. They are almost as varied as runners themselves. They may involve health, exercise or good fellowship. It may be a competitive spirit or the winning of trophies. Then there is the joy of the out- of-doors; and the personal challenge to improve. But if you run, something is driving your engine.

What is it with you? For me nothing really compares to just feeling good about myself. All other incentives pale by comparison.

First, there is health. We all know that exercise is beneficial. Most people intend to do more than they are doing; but runners are really it. We learn quickly, for example, that to run competitively we must watch what we eat and drink. We are more inclined to get proper rest and maybe take vitamins. In reality few people are more health conscious than runners; and it gives you a good feeling to know that you are doing what others only dream of doing.

Second, there is the challenge. Tho desire to push ourselves, to give it our best. Running satisfies that in a big way. We don't have to win; but we have to make a noble effort. We like to let the competition know that we were at least in the race, that they had to earn their awards. If we can look back on a race knowing that we have done that, the good feeling is always there.

It behooves us, of course, not to set our sights so high that we lose that feeling, so keep your goals realistic. Don't drive yourself so hard that you lose the simple joy of running. Don 't be too focused on awards. Just do your thing. Give it the best you have on this particular day; and come home feeling good about yourself.