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The Magical Lure Of Competition

by Rick Sundin, Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago

Each one of us has some degree of competitiveness within us. That in part is what starts us and keeps us running. Most of this competitiveness is positive and it creates specific goals on which to focus. But sometimes we can become so dependent upon our time clocks that we basically forget one of the major reasons we are out there in the first place... WE SOMETIMES FORGET TO HAVE FUN.

We have all had the thrill of doing a PR, beating someone just a few feet from the finish line and perhaps even winning an occasional trophy or ribbon. Such �highs� cannot be accurately described to a non-runner. They are special to us. But these accomplishments are not the whole picture. At least for me, running is FIRST AND FOREMOST FUN. Some road races have extremely scenic courses and sometimes during a race it's great to take a moment to occasionally soak up some of the beauty. (It also takes your mind off pain and fatigue momentarily).

I guess in a nutshell, we kind of search for a BALANCE between competing and having fun. It's an illusive goal but one that keeps us out there pounding the bricks.

Run like the wind, but don't forget to have some fun, too.