Enjoying the Journey

Have you noticed? We runners tend to be an over--achieving bunch of people. We beat ourselves up if we don't achieve a PR come race day. I tend to be like this. That's why when I go on a run or enter a race, I go for the experience. In reality, nobody -- not even your family members -- cares that much about your race times. Sure, they want you to be happy and to support you in doing something you truly love to do. But they're not judging you. "Geez, dad didn't get a PR this time around. What's wrong with him?" Don't get me wrong. I think it's great to have goals and get a new PR from time to time. I did this once at the Virginia 10-Miler in Lynchburg. 

It was my best time at this distance ever. 

But I'm realistic about my running. At best, I'm pretty much a back of the packer. I typically go into a race knowing that I'll do my best but that others will do better than me. I think I've developed a really healthy and positive attitude toward racing. I think it's because even though I take my goals seriously, my spirit of competitiveness doesn't have to interfere with being happy with myself as a runner. I just usually go out to see what happens. I just let it go and be present. I have a good time and embrace the moment. I tell myself that my best race is still out there, that my greatest Alpine climb is still in the future, that my best book is yet to be written. I also tell myself to enjoy the journey and do the best I can :-)