Feeling Complete
In recent times I have been involved in television
commentary teams on such events as The City to Surf and The SMH
Half Marathon. I must confess that it is a pleasant relief to
front up to such races minus my elite athlete hat and therefore
be free of pressure. The downside to no longer competing is that
my flight back home to Brisbane and subsequent days is not met
with the magnificent high which I experienced as a result of
podium finishes.
Twice a
day, every day
I was recently asked if there was ever a time when in full
swing with my running that I could foresee scaling back the
amount of running I was doing. My previous menu which consisted
of twice a day, every day, running has now been reduced to a
maximum of 4 runs a week supplemented by time spent on a wave
ski and kayak. This comment came from a runner (online client)
who just can’t seem to run enough and is currently almost
begging my permission to increase the volume and number of
training sessions I am currently setting.
There were a few reasons as to why I ran the best part of
200km a week. I totally enjoyed being fit and I would often
start my day by taking my pulse with the hope to get as close to
35bpm as possible. The desire to run as fast as I could in
competition and to represent Australia were the obvious and
honest reasons I used when having to justify my obsession.
I also found running to be great socially and I always made
sure I had a joke or two to share with my mates. Even as grown
men we could be found hiding behind trees and jumping out as a
member of the group ran past, the facial expressions on the
surprised runner were often priceless. We spent a great deal of
time laughing.
The
cheapest form of therapy
I also found running to be therapeutic. I wasn’t totally
relaxed within myself until I went for a run. The therapy was
the actual run itself and also the relaxed feeling which
followed.
Steve Moneghetti recently vindicated his continued
involvement in competitive running by saying: “It has become
such a part of my life now that I don't feel complete if I don't
go for a run during the day". Steve’s sentiments echo exactly
the way I felt up until a few years ago. I admire Steve for the
way he continues to be competitive with runners half his age and
his undeniable continued hunger is the likely reason he was such
a great runner during his prime.
As a result of a loving relationship I no longer require
therapy via an excessive amount of running. The enjoyment of
running with my Brisbane Running Group along with a couple of
other runs each week satisfies my craving.
NO
Therefore to answer the question, “Did I ever foresee there
would be a time in my life when I would be less obsessed with
the amount of km’s I covered each week”, the answer is NO.
I am a firm believer in the saying “Life is a journey, not
a destination” and when I was totally consumed with my running I
was unable to see into the future. I ensured that I made the
most of that particular journey in my life where my mind and
body wanted ‘and needed’ to run.
This is one part of your journey, make the most of it!
After over 20 years involved in the Sport I still get a
buzz out of going for a run, all be it at a reduced pace and
volume. You need to be a runner to fully relate to Steve’s above
mentioned comment for it is ‘US’ (the running community) who
know what it is like to feel complete. Enjoy this particular
part of your journey and I hope it continues for as long as your
heart desires.
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