Running=Life?

I enjoy distance running because there are so many parallels with life. Life has many ups and downs as does running. Running is something you can never master. You can't run a race in zero seconds, which essentially means that you can always improve, just like life. I have found that some of my most clear thoughts have come while running. I have achieved that "runners high," a euphoric state where I felt as though I was floating across the ground because I was in such a rhythm. I love those moments, and you need those types of moments to keep you coming back for more, but those "highs" are not the reason I run. I run because of the daily grind. Running every day gives me a sense of confidence because I know that I can grind through the tough times instead of shutting down and giving up. That is the ultimate lesson that I have learned, and continue to learn, from running. There are hills in running and in life; it is not how fast you make it up the hill, but your willingness to say, "I am not going to let a hill stop me, it may slow me down, but I will eventually make it to the top, and when I do, the downhill on the other side will be that much more rewarding." The key to success in a sport like running is work ethic. I love to watch these naturally gifted athletes on tv in the NFL, MLB and NBA, but I have never gotten emotional about a professional sports game. However, every time I watch the Ironman World Championships in Kona, I end up getting teary-eyed. First of all there are wonderful stories of perseverance like Dick and Rick Hoyt, but most of all, I think about how most of these people are "average joes" who decided to put all the effort they had into training for that event. That is inspiring to watch. I have always thought of myself as a slightly above average athlete, but I continue to feel like I perform well above my abilities. For me, it all comes down to drive, desire, will to succeed and work ethic. I refuse to believe that I can't do it better the next time, and I have never let someone tell me what I can and can't do. I hope I never lose that mentality in sports or in life. Until next time.