The Heart Of A Runner

Monday, January 09, 2012 · Mike Davis

What a week! The ups and downs of a runner’s life, good run, bad run, aches, pains and so on… If anyone is following my daily blog, you should be able to relate too much of what I’m experiencing. I have worked with many of you and it may come as a surprise that even I have to battle through a run at times and my frustrations are similar to the ones you have all experienced at various times. What keeps me or any runner going? Is signing up for a half marathon, 10K or as in my case, a marathon the way to motivate a person to get out there and run? I’m not so sure, so read on…

Last week I signed up to run the Vermont City Marathon at the end of May. Do I need that commitment to get me up at 5:00 AM for a run or out in 10 degree weather? It’s not easy being a winter runner and that’s why there are such programs as Winter Warrior and races like the Hampton Half in February. They give incentive to those that brave the challenges of winter and the often harsh conditions. I believe that it’s great to find ways to motivate you to get out in run, but ultimately having the heart and desire to be a runner is what’s going to get you in those shoes. Our friends are great and they also make it easier to show up for a run, but we have to want to be there. Having a runner’s heart means more than just a great resting heart rate. Having a heart for running helps you overcome the tired legs, the freezing temperatures and the long day. Having a heart for running helps you overcome the injuries or the layoffs that you don’t plan for. That heart is what drives us to not fearing one more mile in a tough run or taking on a challenging distance.

For myself, signing up for a spring marathon has nothing to do with motivating me to run at 5:30 in the morning, no I really believe I have the heart of a runner. Regardless of the commitment to the marathon, I would be out there in the morning or taking on the frigid temps. It surely doesn’t hurt to have some additional motivation, but as I witness repeatedly with many runners; ultimately it’s their desire (heart) to be a runner. My daughter mentioned her admiration for one of the best female runners, Kara Goucher. I couldn’t agree more as I watched her finish 4th at Boston less than a year after giving birth. Her heart and hard work made it possible and that’s far more impressive than anything I’ve seen from paid professionals.

I can motivate most people to get out for a couple maybe three runs, but having the heart for running is what’s keeping you out there! Have a great week and let that heart for running get you out there!

mike