I run for a lot of different reasons. Obviously, running to win has been a big reason I got involved in the sport.
Running to win doesn't always necessarily mean us winning a race but meeting our expectations.
Personally, if I get beat in a race but set a new personal best that is win to me. The day I broke the sub-2:20 marathon barrier was equal to me making the Olympic Team.
You get that feeling when you work so hard and results don't always come at the rate you want them to. Anyone who has tasted defeat understands this.
I Run To Inspire Others
One of the biggest reasons I run today is to get others beyond their limitations. My having run a 2:19 marathon doesn't help you or anyone else.
In fact, no one should really care and most, understandably, do not.
That being said, the knowledge that I have been taught over the years does have value. I can mentor, guide and consult with athletes who are serious about improving.
I haven't been writing here on rundreamachieve over 7 years because I am interested in my readers. It is a white hot commitment.
The knowledge I have accumulated over the past 27 years is why people seek me out for help.
The times I have run is meaningless if I cannot help others get the same or better results that I have I put.
I've invested thousands of dollars into this site. I run to get others beyond their pre-conceived limitations.
We all have dreams and goals in this sport. Additionally, we also have pre-determined limitations that we often times can break through.
Be Tenacious With Your Running
My goal years ago was to become a sub-2:22 marathoner. The result? I ended up running over 2 minutes faster than I thought I was capable of.
Why are you any different?
Do I have some sort of secret sauce that you don't possess? Let's be honest. We all have different capabilities but we all have to work equally as hard to get big time results.
I have zero talent. What I have had to rely on as do you is determination and drive. You have to have guts in this sport. Otherwise, what are you doing it for?
Furthermore, it takes focus to consistently get out the door each day to put in the work. Average people are not out there doing this.
Driven people are.
So, you are a winner if you are out there putting in the work doing the best you can.
Be Willing To Be Challenged
I've learned a great deal in this sport and most of it has come from defeats.
Obviously, it feels good to win a race and I have been fortunate to put together some wins.
That being said, I have been humbled far more times. Need proof? Check out the about page that lists my performances.
We all have to pay our dues in this sport. You don't earn a personal best my eating potato chips and chilling on the beach.
I run to test my limits. How far can we as athletes push ourselves? What are we truly capable of?
A quick way to find out is to prepare as efficiently as you can and get into a competitive race.
Never be afraid of competition. It will bring out the best in you – Dr. Joe Vigil
Think Long-Term
The less glamorous part of racing is getting beat. You don't learn to play the piano without goofing it up 99 percent of the time early on.
In addition to that, running is very similar. As a high school freshman my best mile was a 5:09. That was in 1992.
I held 26.2 miles at 5:19 per mile pace 15 years later. How many people do you know that will work for a goal for 15 years straight?
Process Over Event
The process is what no one sees. The event is the result of that process that so few people witness. The finish time you see below was the result of years of hard work.
The above picture is of me finishing as the top American at the 2007 California International marathon.
My best time prior to the start of this race was 2:40:02. Did I fail numerous times prior to this morning trying to get the marathon right?
You better believe it.
It's important I share these facts with my readers because its important that you know that I am no different than anyone else.
I had to pay my dues. A few months prior to the race you see above I ran a 1:07:06 personal best for the half marathon.
I knew I could break 2:22:00 for the marathon. It was not a question of if but when.
Furthermore, when I ran that 1:07 half-marathon I finished in 28th place at the Rock N Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon.
They key learning lesson here is to challenge yourself. Get out there with people that are better than you are and be willing to fail.
Failing Sucks But Is Necessary
No one likes to fail.
I've trained with Olympians and beginners both and have yet to come across one that has not failed.
If you aren't challenging yourself in some way each day you are missing out.
Running easy anyone can do but running fast is an art form. It is a skill that can be learned if you're patient enough – Nate Pennington
The greatest way to distance yourself from the next guy or gal is your commitment to your craft.
We should not be setting easy, attainable goals. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that but also don't expect to be truly challenged.
Think of a goal you think you cannot reach and do everything in your power to make that a reality.
Getting beat ensures you check your ego at the door no matter how good you think you are.
So, you have to decide whether you are interested or committed.
Are you able to maintain your enthusiasm when the going gets tough?
You can best bet you will be challenged in our sport. I assume you already very well know this but it's always good to get a reminder.
Closing Thoughts
Are you ready to take your running to the next level?
Do you have a sub-3 or sub-4 hour marathon time as your goal? I highly recommend you check out the RunDreamAchieve Academy.
I run for a lot of different reasons. The biggest is to create products and services that are going to generate meaningful results for my readers.
Is it an investment on your part? Absolutely, that is why they all come with a 30-day money back guarantee.
My goal is always to overdeliver to my clients and help them reach their training and racing goals.
Make sure to check out our archives page which currently has over 500 posts of free content written to help you maximize your results.
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