Because It's Hard...(Running The Edge)

I picked up a new book recently called "Running The Edge" by Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano. I'm only 6 chapters in, but this book is highly recommended for runners, especially for those who want more out of running. The book is non fiction more like a "self-help" (in a way). It states facts through Tim a Psychology teacher and running coach and Adam who ran 13 years professionally. They talk about how to become a better runner through living a better life. We have 5 stories in our lives and these are our education, career, family, friendships, and passions. Each one of us is living with all these stories at one time, It's just a matter of being successful or unsuccessful in each of them. Adam and Tim call it your "Distance Maven". Finding your edge, your tipping point and going past it to not only open a door to a new success, but to overcome a challenge you've placed upon yourself. It's about not giving up no matter how hard it is, We do the things we do in life because they "ARE" hard! Running a marathon isn't by any means easy nor is a Half marathon. Many of us will pursue running a marathon someday, they are enchanted by the idea because they know it provide an extreme test of their strength and determination. If running were easy tens of thousands of people wouldn't pay money to register for local 10K races or commit to the huge amount of time to train their bodies to withstand the beating of an ultra-marathon. So running is hard, Yes, and that's exactly what makes it irresistible to those who understand.

Challenging ourselves to events and races that involve physical and mental pain is something only runners can understand. It's mental game we all play and the only way to win is to never give up and never tell yourself it's too hard. It is human desire that infiltrates almost every population. Video gamers want to be at the top of the charts in Call of Duty or blast through Halo on Legendary mode. Why? Because it is Hard! People like to do things just to see if they can. The harder the challenge or more difficult the obstacle, the smaller the number of people who have what it takes to succeed, the greater the feeling of satisfaction gained from doing it. Running is hard enough all by itself. The drive by taunters screaming "Run, Forrest!" as you measure the road one stride at a time do not have what it takes. The millions who know they should run or at least exercise a little to take care of their bodies don't have what it takes. they cannot get off their couches or out the door for more than three consecutive weeks following a New Year's resolution. They cannot ascend to the top.

Just by being a runner you have already succeeded in doing something many cannot. But to become a distance maven, you will need to demand even more from yourself. you will need to dedicate yourself to a higher set of standards in a quest to become a better runner and better human being.You will continue to challenge yourself by completing interval sessions with an all-time best personal average, getting that elusive PR in a 5K and running further and faster than your previous self could.