Motivated to Succeed

Benn, much wisdom from a young professor. It is all part of a journey, enjoy. I ran 10 years without running a race. If we run for only for races or awards are we running for the right reasons? There is always someone faster, it is all in who shows up at the race. I have a running friend who goes to great effort to find out what competition in his division is signed up, can he win? Me and Sylvie always get quite a laugh from this process. I once started at the very back of the honolulu marathon, behind 22,000 runners on purpose. Why would I do such a thing? Your already know the answer, wise Howling Commando.

Stay Kool, have a great 2009, B of BS Rools out

Benn -

My running friend Melinda posted this on her blog today - thought I would share it with you :

"Everyone get a run in yesterday?

I did. And it was the most amazing run of my life.

No, nothing outwardly amazing happened—I wasn't moving very fast, didn't find a hundred dollar bill on a deserted street, wasn't running the full Boston Marathon course... My wife hadn't paid an elite to join me. The weather wasn't even that great.

It wasn't so remarkable inwardly, either. While I ran, my mind toggled through the usual laundry list of thoughts: bills to pay, projects to start (or finish), anxieties to face. Laundry. I didn't feel especially strong. I wasn't enjoying that effortless, fluid stride that sometimes comes like a gift.

I was just out there, putting in an easy 4 1/2 miles around the neighborhood on New Year's Day.

Only later, upon reflection, did it hit me: My run today was amazing not in spite of its mundane nature, but because of it.

In other words, my run today was great because it was my run. Today.

I'm one of the lucky few (and we are few, as a slice of the population) who is in on this wonderful, little secret: Running makes you feel good. It's good for you, in so many ways. And I'm doing it. I've been doing it so long, in fact, I've managed somehow to forget how incredible it is, that on any given day I can decide to go out and run, then do it. And come back feeling clearer, brighter, stronger, more relaxed.

It occurs to me that too often we take for granted these countless, everyday jaunts. The "in between" miles. We've been conditioned to see only milestone runs or marquee events as noteworthy or celebratory—running a PR, qualifying for Boston, doing a destination marathon or a relay like Hood to Coast.

All of those things are great, don't get me wrong. But as far as I'm concerned, in running as in life, true happiness lies in finding joy in seemingly smaller, more quotidian stuff. I'm not big into New Year's resolutions, but this year I just might have to adopt one: Remind myself every single day how lucky I am to be a runner.

Happy New Year, guys. Here's to many happy and healthy miles in 2009."

I admire your courage and determination, Benn, you had a tough 2008 for running because of injury, but you always had a great attitude, and it was inspiring for me to see how you handled a tough situation.

Being injured sucks, obviously, and I know the feeling of wanting to desperately hit the trails, feel the wind and the rain while running, but the body won't allow it to happen.

You have found other ways to get outdoors, with your biking and hiking, and so even when you can't run, you are enjoying the beauty of the world, and, with the one you love.

I hope 2009 is a good year for you and Emma. Let's work as hard as we can with running and everything else, see what unfolds, and enjoy the journey and the process!

Brent : Yes, I'm sure we all know why you started at the back of the pack ;P! You are a fighter for sure.

Will : Such an inspiring quote from such an awesome person. Thanks for reminding me and everyone else about the pure magic of just getting out there and enjoying the mysticism of the run. I can't wait for what 2009 brings. Even if we don't run for race or sport, each run will be a gold medal run if we run for ourselves.