The first Monday in March is normally the start of track season. That also means that it is an anniversary of sorts for me. Today marks the 30th year of consistent training for me. So what is there to say after 700+ races and enough miles to circle the earth 2.5 times? Well I know that the years take away and give as well. I no longer have the speed to run a 2:04 800m but I can handle long distances with ease. In Zen and the Japanese martial arts there is the concept of Beginners Mind. This means that no matter how far one progresses in his or her chosen art that one should retain the enthusiasm and openness to learning that one had at the very start. This idea has kept me motivated throughout my three decades of running. In the beginning I focused on track and cross country. After that there was shorter road races and the occasional 10k and half marathon. In the 90s I was an enthusiastic convert to trail running and the 21st Century saw me try my hand at trail marathons and ultras. As my speed and PRs seemed to be long lost to the years I found a new venture with the appearance of Obstacle Course Racing. And what will the 31st year bring forth? Well in order to remain competitive in Spartan races I will return to the beginning. The strength training, stretching, and speed work that were so common my early years will be back. I may not ever approach the 400, 800, or mile times of my youth but I will train for them anyways. Beginners Mind indeed.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:18:47 +0000
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