I do not know Joe Kelly personally. I came across his "Runner's Commandments" online and it really hit home. I do not know Joe but I know by the list that he is a true runner at heart.
Rule #14 really hits home for me these days. After a big layoff due to injury I was forced to start over. Running was not easy for the first time in 30+ years. I struggled to be patient and take baby steps. I had to pass up many of my favorite races, put off Boston for another year and postpone my first attempt at a 50 mile race. But now... it is time to start racing. My plan is to race my way back into "racing shape" this summer. I have been dreading my reintroduction to the crucible of the 5K. If you go hard... running a fast 5K hurts. I know what awaits me at the 2.5 mile mark. I just need to jump in and get reacquainted with the pain/ exhilaration of racing. Those first few races will be slower than I want. They will be hard. No matter how difficult it gets... it is better than NOT being able to race. So as I stand on the starting line of that first 5k in a few weeks... nervous, anxious, scared... I will remember Rule # 14. I will remind myself that I am fortunate to be alive, running and able to test my mental and physical limits on a regular basis. I am lucky to be a runner.
Run Smart. Train Hard. Race Fast.
Listen to Coach Kevin each week as he co-hosts Pure Fit Radio. Listen online at www.PureFitRadio.com and subscribe for free at iTunes!
we have all been there. take it one race/run at a time. before you know it, you will wonder when you became so fast. it will just sneak up on you :) great job being patient and sitting out- I can vouch for you first hand that you have not been jumping into all of the racing :)
ReplyDeleteAfter a few painful 5Ks, everything else will be easy!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck and welcome back Coach!
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