Runners are an odd bunch.
We seek challenge and adversity in our lives. It’s easy to stay in and hang out on the couch, watching whatever is on the television, eating too many chips, or drinking too much of whatever is on tap.
Most people would not find running a hundred miles as an enjoyable activity, but people do it anyway. It’s that thrill of striving for the unknown, and reaching your physical limit that motivates us as runners to push our selves every day.
Even in our drive to push our capabilities though, we can become complacent in our training schedule. After a while, running can almost become routine. It goes from being an escape to another chore to check off in the box as completed.
From one runner to another, I’m going to throw down the gauntlet.
I challenge you to unplug
Am I in my target heart rate? What’s my pace? Let me change that song, I’m not feeling it.
The late great runner Steve Prefontaine once said “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” To give anything less than your total attention to the run, is to waste the opportunity. Modern technology is great, but if you become a slave to the computer strapped to your wrist, what are you learning about yourself? Find out what you are truly capable of, and learn how to pace yourself naturally. Give up the GPS and the MP3 player, and tune into your own rhythm.
I challenge you to explore
Repeating the same courses are great benchmarks for personal progress. Every now and then though, take the path less traveled. You may be surprised at what you might find. It could be a fantastic scenic road, you might find your new favorite restaurant, or it could be some obnoxious dog. You never know until you find out.
I challenge you to dedicate time daily for stretching and conditioning
That foam roller sitting in your corner only works when you use it. Don’t have a foam roller? Than improvise, lacrosse balls are great for busting up tight muscles. My personal favorite tool of torture is a piece of scrap PVC pipe. It does not take long to get some pushups and core work in, but consistency is critical. Take care of yourself; don’t use “I’m busy” as an excuse to not do the general maintenance. Use “I’m busy” as the reason to take just a few minutes a day for yourself and your health.
I challenge you to run real
Every day can be a new and exciting adventure. Albert Einstein said “Adversity introduces man to himself.” Seek out challenge in your life and reach your potential.
Run Real
SKORA Ambassador, Andrew McLean
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The Specifics of “Run Real”