Unfulfilled Potential

I love this guy’s art - Hugh Mcleod. One day he’s witty with a sarcastic edge the next, heart-felt with that all so essential human connection.
As a (self-competitive) runner this one hit home.

The Utter Terror of Unfulfilled Potential


A somewhat earthly creature as he crosses the finish line – just short of that almighty PR.

The expression:

• “I know I have it in me.”
• “I will do better in the next race.”
• “Never look back…”
• “Guilty!”
• “Keep on running!”

What expressions do see?

This post was inspired by the GapingVoid-100 people project.

No Zombies Allowed (#100ppl)

Have a great summer!
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How Has Your Running Changed as You've Aged?

I have been simmering over this article for the last month, and I'm still having a hard time formulating a remark. Did it make me feel better or worse?
Should I throw in the towel?
Give up doing races?


In this article in the WSJ - Older, Wiser, Slower. The writer shares his reason for slowing down. (A Cardiologist told him, “…keep your heart rate below 120.")
He gives example of athletes who have made adjustments but he did not elaborate on their happiness...

“If your have to go as fast at 50 as you did at 20, you will grind yourself into the ground.” – Mark Allen

In the article's side bar:
How has your athletic activity changed as you've aged?

Reader’s comments:

• “Trained every day - 50+ miles per week. Now I realize that this was killing my spirit to enjoy running, etc. I am more laid back and don't care if a friend beats me in a 5k”
• “…count every healthy day as a blessing.”
• “There's a middle zone you need to find, which is little beyond what's comfortable, but not miserable for you.”

My Comments:

• I can still run fast but not for the same distances.
• It takes weeks not days to recover from a race.
• I need to warm up and yes some days it takes 20 minutes.
• I feel stiff – I’m forced to warm up before I take off.
• When I push myself at the end of a race I feel horrible.
• Instead of celebrating a PR, I beat myself up for not going faster.

If this sounds like runner burn-out, you’re wrong. It’s a fact of life - unless you’ve found some magical Sports Drink.
No matter what you do - your body still has an expiry date.

How has your running changed as you've aged?

More Than a Hello

Near the end of my Saturday run, I passed by another fellow human. He was working his way down the sidewalk; I was cruising - homeward bound.
He said, “Hello - How is your day?” Mummified – I blurted out “OK.”
Didn’t he see I was running – I couldn’t just stop and tell him the infinite details of my marvelous life!
In a flutter of seconds – I passed him.
Then I felt ashamed.

But first let me tell you about him.
He looked about my age perhaps a smidge older – dressed in a suit and tie. He was walking very awkwardly on crutches. As I did a quick scan, (runners are very good at this) I noticed he had special shoes on. Made of black polished leather. The left shoe had a 3 inch sole lift on it.
In a flutter of seconds – I passed him.
Then I felt ashamed.

I quietly asked myself - how was his day going… Was it his first walk on a new leg? Had he been born with a handicap? Or was he walking slowly because he was in extreme pain – recovering from surgery or perhaps a car crash.
The only thing I know for sure is that I should have stopped and talked to this stranger.
If you have a chance - read this related post at Life 2.0
[Blogging's Hidden Jewel]

“Almost everybody avoided his eye and darted off. One or two people looked at him warily. Nobody said 'hello '…

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Running With a Magic Wand

This weeks theme at Runner's Lounge TIaRT is…Choose Your Superpower. "What superpower runners would have if they could?

My Superpower

I wish I could unfold
a magic wand.
And when I ran by litter
I could point my wand
and presto - the debris
would magically disappear.
No rabbits in my hat – or abracadabras.
Just an invisible wand I could run with.
Help me make the world a better place.

I would like to give Magic Wands to other runners, like me, that pick up trash while running.
Including:
Eco-runner
Polka Dot Shorts

"There aren't many things that are universally cool, and it's cool not to litter. I'd never do it." - Matthew McConaughey

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Why Humans Run

Children run for fun – to explore – to chase. But what was the purpose of adult Homo sapiens running?

“Today running is regarded as a form of exercise. But perhaps a jog in the park goes much deeper than that: It could be affirmation of the very reason that we are human.” - National Geographic

In the Beginning

Fossil remains suggest Homo sapiens originally ran to catch animals for food. It came down to survival. Early humans also employed running as a “get away” skill. Allowing them to escape from enemies – animals and other humans!
A definite advantage to being a swift runner.
Evidence also suggested running was helpful in getting to the “dead meat meal” first! Arriving before the scavengers.

Now

We typically run because we want to – not have to. [Yes, there are cases of humans running away from others for self preservation.]
But mainly, we run for the benefits.

“Some of these benefits include potential weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle mass, increased bone density, and an improved emotional state.”
- Wiki

I would add to that list - glory and fame. For some of us : 0

The chief reason I run is to reap the psychological benefits!
Running keeps me sane – my head above water.

Why do you run?

A race on the beach.

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