What you have that other don't!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014 · Mike Davis

Good morning running world! If you are feeling anything like me this morning, you need a cup of extra strong coffee! Grab yours and pull up a stool. Monday night at the track workout with the Portsmouth Runners Alley 10K training team, one of my favorite people Jim Flynn told me that he won first place in his age group at the Pease 7K. I joked back saying "Did that only require a pulse" and Jim responded by saying "I don't know, but I do know that I beat you!". He definitely had me there as it didn't turn out that I ended up going. Running isn't always easy, but to paraphrase Jim; "I was out there and you weren't". That statement sums up a sentiment that may not be thrown in people's face, but certainly is something we are (and should) be proud of. Most if not all runners run for reasons that are about themselves and are not motivated by being out there while others are not. But the reality is; we (but not me in this particular case) should feel great satisfaction that while others are choosing to stay in from the cold, the heat or because they deplore getting out of bed early and so on, we are out there getting it done. That is no easy task at times and often requires discipline that others sadly lack and all we have to do is look around us or read the latest statistics on our over weight country. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to pass judgment or even infer that runners are better than those that don't run, but the fact is; we runners more often than not choose to move our feet distances others mock often in conditions that most need air conditioning or heat for. While this in itself doesn't make us better than anyone, it certainly indicates qualities that are worthy of being proud of. In fact I believe those qualities that we exemplify each time we are out there when it is hot or cold or even when we just don't feel it, is actually a discipline that comes from overcoming when it would be easy to stay in and go back to sleep. Each time we move lace up those running shoes when it isn't easy develops something truly special inside of us that no amount of money or anything else can accomplish. For me the only thing that can trump this discipline or feeling is my faith, so for me you can see how huge it is! Last night I met one of my clients out at the Dover track and despite a little breeze, it was still pretty warm. I looked at the workout that I had planned for Doug and considered that it might be a little rough in itself, but given the conditions I feared it would be just plain brutal! After some consideration I decided that I would stick it but keep my expectations minimal. Doug is an amazing guy in so many ways but one particular quality I marvel at is he ability to adjust his pace solely on feel. I had Doug run 400 meter intervals at a 5K pace with the idea that each interval would be working from a negative split mentality and without any timing device. The results were darn near perfect! From his first one through his final 400 Doug got faster by 10 seconds after each 400. Now that my friends is what you would call the perfect negative split workout! The fact that Doug is able to accomplish such perfection without the use of a timing device is so impressive and something I strive for from all of our NFLR runners. Also just as impressive is that despite my concerns with the heat, Doug didn't given in to it, instead he killed it! To say the least I was proud of Doug's effort and most of all his heart. Doug can do this workout on his own, but I really like being out there to provide some direction and support, but in the end the results are on him. I am grateful that all of our NFLR runners are much like Doug when it comes to their discipline and determination. It most definitely makes our job easier and fun! Time to get a moving. Hope you have a great Wednesday and thanks for having coffee with me! Mike