ARE YOU WILLING TO HURT

ARE YOU WILLING TO HURT?

Those of us who write about running would like to think that we have some thing to say for all runners. We naturally want to benefit everyone. Most of us, however, relate closely to only a segment of the running community. Each of us may speak for a different segment; but only a segment nevertheless. Much of what we say is really meaningful only to those who run like we run, who think like we think. That has led me to conclude that I can't be of much help to any runner who is not willing to hurt some in running.

Thankfully that is not the only way to run. It may not even be the best way to run. It is simply the only way that I know how to run. So if even racing to you is like a jog in the park, you'll have to look elsewhere for your encouragement. I can't give it to you. I can't relate to that kind of running. BUT if you struggle in every race. IF you feel that every improvement has been won only like Churchill's War (with blood and sweat and tears); then I can speak for you. I speak your language. I can feel your pain. I can relate to your disappoints. You are, uniquely, the ones for whom I am writing.

This comes partly from beginning to race late in life, where most of my training partners are about half my age. This immediately means that when they are at 65% (talking and having a good time), I am already at 85% (and can hardly say a word). That is just to be a part of the group and it only gets worse from there as they train harder. So when someone says, "We're going to do an easy eight today", I already know I am going to struggle.

It also relates to my conviction that racing demands our best. Whatever it is, regardless of our ability or speed, we will have to test our limits to race well. I still subscribe to the coach who said: "IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING LEFT WREN A RACE IS OVER, YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE A MISTAKE, FOR YOU SHOULD HAVE USED IT UP IN THE RACE." Of course the difficulty is in using it at the right time. If you use it up too soon, or by failing to run smart, you will blow your chances as well. This is where pacing becomes so very important.

Of course I speak of the pain of exertion; and not the pain of injury. You must listen to your body. It has limits that you must not try to surpass. If you listen carefully you can also avoid many injuries in advance, for the signals are usually there. You just have to recognize them. Take the warnings your body gives you seriously. Make the necessary adjustments; and you can avoid more serious injury. That is my #1 word of advice about running with pain.

Number two is to become tough-minded in your running. This is something that you will have to develop within yourself. Making resolutions in advance won't get the job done. It comes mostly in the last half of a race, when you are already tired and discouraged...when quitting never looked so good. Or on a training run when "What am I doing here?" is the loudest voice you can hear. Then is the time to lock in the computer and throw away the key. It is time now to determine: "I AM GOING TO FINISH. I AM GOING TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF WHEN THIS RUN IS OVER. I WILL MAKE WHATEVER ADJUSTMENTS NECESSARY; BUT I WILL NOT QUIT! " Remember: You can win this victory only when you are there .. tired and discouraged .. but determined to hold on. It will develop a tough-mindedness that will serve you well on your other runs.

Number three is to beware of the games that runners play. We all have them, you know. We are all inclined to round off the number high when talking about our distances and low when speaking of our racing times. Even a 22:59 suddenly becomes a 22 in speaking of that last 5K time! The point is that your competitors are going to psych you out if they can. They might say, "I feel terrible today. I am going to do this one only as a training run." When they have every intention of burning you if they can; and they already have their excuse in place if they don't. Some injuries are certainly legitimate, and deserve our compassion; but don't let people play with your mind concerning them.

The victories which you will cherish the most are those which have come through pain and and struggle. Don't miss their joy just because you have to work hard for them. The rewards will be all the greater because of it.