Runners come in all shapes and sizes. Photo courtesy of wikipedia One of my favorite things about running is that there is no body type that makes someone a runner. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. Head to the park or to any race (any distance) and you will see what I am talking about. Watch and you will see runners of all shapes and sizes put their bodies to the test. Race after race, training run after training run, you will see them come out victorious.
While runner’s bodies come in all shapes and sizes, I think that if you look at their mental characteristics you will begin to see similarities. Runners typically are mentally tough and have a strong vision and focus.
Why is it that runners have so many similar mental characteristics? It’s because running is a mental sport. In order to be a runner, you’ve got to learn how to master your mind.
While runner’s bodies come in all shapes and sizes, I think that if you look at their mental characteristics you will begin to see similarities. Runners typically are mentally tough and have a strong vision and focus.
Why is it that runners have so many similar mental characteristics? It’s because running is a mental sport. In order to be a runner, you’ve got to learn how to master your mind.
Two wolves are fighting it out within. Photo courtesy of flickr Have you ever heard of the Cherokee parable, Two Wolves? This parable has many lessons for us as runners. The parable goes like this A Grandfather was talking to his Grandson and telling him what happens within him - there are two wolves who live within him and they are in a fight. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false, pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. At the end of the story, the Grandson asks the Grandfather, "Which wolf wins the fight?" To which the Grandfather replies, "The one you feed."
This is a perfect metaphor for life and for running. If, while you are running you are envious of how fast someone else is going or feeling self-pity, or telling yourself you're not good enough, you're not to accomplish the goal you've set for yourself, etc, you are steeling your own joy. You will not have fun on your run. You are feeding the evil wolf and if you feed him, he will rule your run and your life.
This is a perfect metaphor for life and for running. If, while you are running you are envious of how fast someone else is going or feeling self-pity, or telling yourself you're not good enough, you're not to accomplish the goal you've set for yourself, etc, you are steeling your own joy. You will not have fun on your run. You are feeding the evil wolf and if you feed him, he will rule your run and your life.
The lone wolf howling at the moon. Which wolf has won for you? Photo courtesy of max pixel If while you are running, you think about people you love, practice your faith, and clear your mind, then you will feed the good wolf. You will enjoy your run, you will finish refreshed, and you will accomplish the goals you set for yourself. The good wolf wins.
So as you set out on your next run ask yourself, "Which wolf am I going to feed today?"
So as you set out on your next run ask yourself, "Which wolf am I going to feed today?"
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