Happy Running

Sunday, August 28, 2016 · Mike Davis

Good morning!

Yesterday I hit the road to run at around 8:30 and with a humidity level of 87 percent and temps rising I knew that my 80 minute run would be a challenge. Thankfully my wife dug out a fuel belt so that I could bring Gatorade with me and she also gave me a package of some type of gummy things for nourishment. Both were needed in my 80 minutes of run/walking. Yes the conditions continue to dictate my approach and right now it is more important that I get the time in no matter how I do it. “Reach the Beach is under 3 weeks out and while I do not expect it to be easy, I want to make it as less hard as possible.

My run ended up being more challenging than I expected. The heat really beat me up and as I made the turn at 40 minutes I had my doubts I could do 40 more. Thankfully at the 45 minute point I got a lift as the gummy things kicked in and I felt a little stronger. Between the nourishment and the Gatorade I managed to finish my run and enjoyed the 3/4ths of a mile walk back home. My legs are certainly tired but, in a good way. My distance was just over 7 miles and that is certainly encouraging as well. My long run for RTB is 9 something miles but, my daughter says I can steal a horse if I need. That sounds awesome!

Today I did discover something not so profound. I am a “happy runner.” I honestly do not think everyone that runs is a “happy runner.” I have been around the running community for many years and worked with numerous runners and I have witnessed so many runners that only concern themselves with the results of their running. I too was of that same mindset and no doubt still am at times but, having gone through a couple years of ups and downs with injuries as well as an aging body, I am now truly happy to just be able to run! My results are certainly nothing to brag about and I it is even unlikely that I can finish in the top 10 of in my age group but, I am ecstatic to have run for 80 minutes today. Yes it was a combination of run/walking and some might “ho-hum” that and that is okay. I am happy that I can put on my running shoes and enjoy a run solo or better yet with my daughter, my wife or a group of No Finish Line Running, runners. Being able to focus on running without the pressure of the results is such a cool thing. Do not get me wrong, I certainly want to improve from where I am at but, I am okay with any result as long as I am still able to run again. Yes that is what “No Finish Line Running” is founded on and maybe I get it better than ever.

Do not for a second think that my idea of being a “happy runner” means that those that focus on excelling are not happy runners. The inner and even the outer competitiveness we have is fun and I certainly was born to compete. However, running can be so much more if we are not consumed with the results. Being a runner is a victory in itself and results are far less important than the accomplishment of running any distance. At NFLR we are building something special as we build a community of runners that focus on running strong and having fun. Last Wednesday evening the “Destination Training Group” ran around Dover and got group pictures taken with the wonderful Dover Mounted Police. The pictures were awesome and I am so proud of my team of coaches. Our team totally embraces the idea of “happy running” and they are helping many runners get there.

NFLR continues to provide professional coaching to all levels of runners and that means we will help many runners excel. Along the way we will impart our philosophy of keeping it healthy and fun as well. We want running to be a lifestyle and that requires it to be more meaningful than a result. I am a “happy runner” because I enjoy running being a part of my life. I will be even happier when my wife is back running with me!

Thanks for having coffee with me. Have a great Sunday and see you on the roads!

God Bless!

Mike