How we view success and the way that definition changes throughout our life span is such an interesting and intriguing process. As defined by dictionary.com (does anyone use ole' mister Webster anymore?), success is "the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors." I wonder why they use the word termination...it has such an ugly and negative connotation.
Anyways, here's where I'm going with this one. A few weekends ago, my dad flew in from Colorado to run at the USA Track and Field Cross Country Championships down in San Diego. There are three divisions of this event (both with men's and women's races): master's, juniors and open. My dad was going to run in the master's race (I think it's something like older than 40). The really cool part about the whole thing is that some of the best runners compete in the open race. I don't want to name any names right now (I have to get you to read on somehow), but we'll get to that part soon.
If you're astute enough, you noticed that I said my dad "was" going to race. He had been training for this race for a while and was super stoked that it was nearby (on the western side of the continent) and that I was able to go with him. About a week before the race, he did a hard track workout and shredded his calves. That week, he went for two massages and two appointments with the physical therapist, hoping and praying that he would feel up to running at the championships. When he got off the plane, I knew that there was no way he was going to be able to compete. But as any crazy runner is prone to, he doggedly tried to will himself to believe he would not only be ok, but could race competitively. No bueno, is what I said.
We went down to the race anyway (why would anyone pass up a gorgeous hotel and a chance to see top-notch racing?) and I had to practically beat into my dad that there was no way - NO WAY - that I was going to let him race. He would injure himself even more and would be battling that for months to come. It was hard to see him so excited and pumped for the race and then have to watch from the sidelines. Success for him that day would have been racing and feeling well. But success in my eyes was him being head-smart and listening to his body. He's not a spry, young thing anymore, and listening to his body and taking care of it is key.
I have another success story, but let's look at some running superstars before we go on...
This is Shalane Flanagan, who won the open women's race. Two things to say about her -- when she runs, it looks like she's floating on the top of the grass. Seriously, floating. Secondly, I want her body. To feel confident enough to run in a sports bra and bottoms like that is very desired. I guess being American record holder in the 3k, 5k and 10k will bring you tons of self-confidence.
This is Kara Goucher. She went to the University of Colorado (boo) and has run in the Olympics and many, many, many big races. She gave birth to her son in September of last year. That's right, this is only 5 months after having a baby. Amazing.
On the left is Kara. On the right is her husband, Adam Goucher. He's also a former Buff (boo) and won several NCAA championships and other titles. I love that he was there rooting her on. I need to find a man like that. :)
Ok, so this next success story belongs to me and I'm going to make it short and sweet. The day after the XC championships, I ran in the Redondo Beach Superbowl Sunday 10k. I PRd by almost 4 minutes (my time was 44:32)! I was the 23rd woman across the line and the 6th woman in my age group. Pretty cool. While finishing with an average of 7:11 miles is amazing, the best part was what the two guys from work (who also ran the race) said: You're faster than I thought. That makes a girl's day.
Success before I started barefoot running was just to be able to do a little bit of running. As I got further into it, success was going on long runs without pain. Before my first 10k, I wanted to just make it to the finish line with a decent time. Now, success is feeling good and loving what I'm doing. I've definitely come to the "termination of my attempts and endeavors" but hopefully success doesn't stop here!
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