Winning

When comes to running and racing, winning means different thing to different folks.

It might mean that No. 1 of an event.
But, in that sense, it would also mean a lot of losers and unhappy runners.


It could mean beating somebody in a race.

It could mean meeting a time goal.

It could mean breaking your old PR (not an easy feat if
you are way off your prime).


It could also mean ...


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In addition to these, I also tend to think that
winning is being the best that you could be
for that particular race.


Winning is knowing that you have
done your absolute best and could do no better for that day,
when taken consideration of the training, fitness, weather condition,
terrain of the course, and all other factors.


And it that sense, it aptly applies to life too.


Being the best that you can be will always be the goal and meaning of life.


Crank on.

Every Run's a Blessing

Did a tempo run on the mill yesterday. It has been a long
long time (seem centuries) ago that I was able to do any
quality run, ever since I picked up the hip injury.

The tempo wasn't really up to the pre-injured standard,
and there are still sore here and there.

Phychologically, I was so worry that I'll aggravate the injury
or picking up another.

Then, I thought,I really need to focus on the positive things,
like how much better I have improved and felt.

Just not long ago, I could only see and envy people running,
while I couldn't even afford to do the stationary biking.

With that mind shift, imagine how lucky I was able
to run, again.

Never mind about how fast or how long that I can run now, the very fact that
I was able run again is great enough for celebration.

Suddenly, I feel free and alive again. Not long ago, when other life stressors
pop in, the usual dose of antistress--runnning is unavailable. And I was really
sinking ...

Now, I realize how much fixation I have on running. Not only that
I run for a time goal for a goal race, but more importantly,
running defines me.

I run to feel better.
I run because I like it.
I run to stay in shape.
I run to loose weight.
I run to prefect myself.

I run ...

I RUN BECAUSE I CAN!!!

We might have thousands reasons why we run, but we always forget that we only
run when we could. If you got an injury that was severe enough like I did, you
know exactly what I mean.

Unfortunately, while I was picking my way up on the rehabilation, my wife
had another bout of ITB syndrome outbreak.
I understand completely the frustration and apprehension she felt as
SIM08 is closing.
But I couldn't do anything to help except putting her on NSAID, ice, and NO RUNNING.
I know, NO RUNNING SUCKS, but what to do, we have to do the RUGHT thing.
(By the way, I drop the PBIM08, there just isn't enough time for me to
prepare for a marathon that close).

THEN, WOULDN't YOU AGREE THAT EVERY RUN IS A BLESSING.

crank on.