WHEN A REAL WOLF HOWLS

My father told me a story many years ago which has lingered in my memory.  I believe it also carries a message for those of us who run.  Dad lived in the foothills of Arkansas.  The land he farmed was flat; but in three directions you could view the stair-stepping hills leading to the mountains in the background.  Much of the uncultivated land was still wild and untamed.  There was game of most every kind, including coyotes; and, more rarely, a timber wolf.  The story he told was of how when a coyote howled, almost every dog in the country would answer.  One after another would join in, some near and some far away, until there was almost a constant chorus of dogs and coyotes ringing against the hills.  But when a timber wolf howled not a dog would open his mouth! There was absolute silence, except for the cry of the single wolf.  Everything else seemed to know that here was something they did not want to challenge.

It is also important for those of us who run to learn the difference between a coyote and a wolf.  For example, in our local events we learn who our competitors are.  We may not be able to beat them; but we can run with them.  They will know that we are there.  We call this keeping them honest..  in being sure they have to earn their awards.

Sometimes, however, a different type of competitor shows up.  In Fort Worth this is often connected with a holiday season, when runners from distant places come to visit relatives in the area.  Some of these have national records.  Some are world class, who could compete with the best in any setting.  When they show up local runners know that wolves are on the prowl.

They are also evident when cash prizes or unusual awards are advertised.  You may not know them at all; but there they are.  They can eat your lunch.  They can't just beat you, they can clean your plate! They can almost make you ashamed to be in the same race with them.  Some of our runners have met them at marathons in other places or in national events.  The question is, what are you going to do when a real wolf howls???

1.  DO YOUR BEST.  At your age, with your limitations, determine to be the best that you can be.  Every one of us can improve, 80 don't be afraid to give it the best you have.

2.  BE SATISFIED WITH YOUR BEST.  We all have our limits.  We can test them; but we must not try to surpass them.  To do so would only invite serious injury.  You can take a cow-pony... you can feed him well..  you can brush his coat to a bright sheen..  BUT YOU CAN'T MAKE A RACE HORSE OUT OF HIM! You will only wind up disappointed if you try.

3.  KEEP YOUR PRIORITIES CLEAR.  It's wonderful if you can run in Boston, New York or London.  Just being at the Senior Olympics is such a thrill.  But surely you didn't go expecting to come in first.  Just enjoy the fellowship, participate in the run, and share your experiences with those who could not go.  You can get your bucket full to overflowing without having to expect the impossible.

4.  REMEMBER: YOU STILL HAVE ANOTHER LIFE.  It seems that some world class runners hardly do.  About all they know is train, train, train.  This can make running a drudgery.  It can threaten good relationships and even endanger health.  So back off enough to enjoy and be grateful for what you have; and be sure that you don't lose the pure joy of running.

If you are a wolf, there is nothing wrong in acting like a wolf.  You also have a right to answer the challenge of any other wolf.  But if you are not a wolf, and never expect to be a wolf, you don't have to compete with them.  When they bay the moon, you have no obligation to answer.  You don't have to be embarrassed that your fangs are not as long or your hair as curly as theirs.  After all, you never even claimed to be one of them.

So determine to be yourself.  Run your own race.  Do your own thing.  Your greatest competitor is actually YOU, in being the best that you can be.  If you can do that, you have already won your victory.  Just let the wolves howl.