Teach Yourself How to Run: Part Eight [Boxing Day Families]

During my runs I do a lot of thinking about where I am going in life and business, and how I will manage to get there. On Boxing Day I decided to run my normal route through a golf course and along a disused rail embankment. Usually I pass the odd group of golfers, a man walking a dog and perhaps dodge a mountain bike or two.

Not this time though. In parts, It was like a veritable traffic jam - the majority of my route was heavy with families out having their pre-boxing day lunch walk. 

Whilst running past the walkers headed in my own direction, I noticed that I picked up pace and would sling shot past them. I had experienced this phenomenon before, but on Boxing Day this was particularly noticeable as I found myself running out of energy fast. Once fully passed the family groups, I allowed myself to slow down and conserve energy, only to increase my pace again once another group came into view. 

Gradually I realised that this has been my behaviour whilst running for most of my life. It appeared that it was easy for me to increase my pace whilst I had a target in my sights. Upon passing them, be they walkers, bikers or indeed runners during a race, I only continued at that pace for a short distance afterwards. Then I returned to my 'forever' pace. Conserving energy until the next tantalising target came into view. I would then plan how fast to approach them and how long afterwards I would maintain a top running pace in order to wear them down mentally and physically.

This all became a vivid realisation to me during that run. What's worse, is that I think I have been applying the same strategy throughout my life too. And I can't afford to do that anymore if I want to achieve something cool.

My fear is.... that I won't learn how to change my mindset, and to run at my free spirited pace when I'm not chasing someone else's tail, or when I feel that no one else is looking. It appears that I have been cheating myself at running for most of my life.

I set goals and I reach them, and I guess competitiveness is in my blood. Oddly as it may seem, it is this that is ultimately limiting my horizons. 

With that bomb-shell, I am going to wish you all a very prosperous and happy new year. May you achieve everything that you set your sights on - and more besides.

Engine[er]