BEING A GOOD RUNNER

Most of us already know the formula for becoming a good runner, don't we? Train hard. Race hard. Train harder. Beat the competition. Win races. Pick up the trophies. Train even harder. Run farther. Set a new PR. Isn't that about it? Haven't we determined that as being the way to become a good runner?

What fine runners of that type we have in the Metroplex! We are inspired by their  steadfastness and endurance. Competition continually increases in all age groups.  Times which would have won races a couple of years ago might put you in third place or even out of the running today. Some of these folk are serious about winning races; and they do not intend to be taken lightly. Regretfully, they don't have much to do with lower runners. It is time, however, for us to realize  that there is more to being a good runner than just winning races. For example, what are we giving back to the running community. May I suggest some ways we could do that? That, in turn, involves what I consider being a good runner.

1. SUPPORT RUNNING.  Every racing event has break-even point. Some are quite profitable, while others are not. Most events have to be planned months in advance, when no one can be sure of conflicting events or bad circumstances. If we appreciate these events being provided for us, then we need to support them when they occur. If me want five year age groups, for example, we need to help see that there are more than enough runners in each of them to pay for the trophies. Those planning these events do not expect our charity; but they have a right to expect our participation under non-ideal circumstances. When we show up on bad days we are supporting running.

2. UPLIFT OTHER RUNNERS. Where would we be if someone had not done this for us? Be generous with your encouragement. Not only do we need to clap for the winners; but to commend the improvements and personal victories of those in the middle of the pack. Just a few words, a smile, or a thumbs-up may lift their spirits on an otherwise down day. Thinking about this might especially keep us from picking up our trophy and rushing off without waiting for the results of others. It also might make us more generous toward those who beat us, rather than explaining that we were having a terrible day, due to injury etc.

3. VOLUNTEER WHEN YOU CAN. I stand amazed at the number of people involved in a good race: advertising, advance sign-ups, registering, awards, refreshments, water stations and course monitors. That list could go on and on. Some events have paid positions to be sure; but most races simply could not operate without lots of volunteers. Clubs, teams or sponsoring groups are sometimes hard pressed to provide them. Part of this is because we take them so much for granted. This makes the burden fall too heavily on a few. I am persuaded that this need would be great relieved if each of us would forego running in a race even one time a year just to be on the volunteer list. This could be our contribution to running.

4. SUPPORT THE SPONSORS. We have a limited number of companies who consistently sponsor our events. Others do it on maybe a one time basis. This sponsorship, however, has to be a two-way street. They have to feel that they are getting something in return, otherwise their sponsorship will not continue. Sometimes they are only after community good will. Other times they are hoping that we will buy their products; and don't they deserve preference when we are buying something they sell? Even if we don't use their type of product, why not find a way to commend their efforts anyway? Even this might keep them involved in our programs. Frankly, there wouldn't be many races without them.

5. BE EASIER TO PLEASE. Admittedly, all of us like well organized races. I have found, however, that elite, competitive runners are the most unforgiving of anything that might affect their time by seconds. Some of us were just born "in the negative case and the kickative mood". We don't make it very easy on race directors. Sometimes this just reflects our selfishness and hurts our sport. After all, even legitimate complaints can be handled quietly and privately rather than by public display.

I am trying to resolve to become a better runner.  don't want to be a sponge or a parasite in running. I want to give something back to the sport that has given, me so much. Would you like to join me in this???