I Like To Succeed But . . .

Everyone enjoys reaching a running milestone or surpassing a personal best time. Tasting success is addictive and often leads to a desire for more personal victories ahead. When I turned 45 I determined to run farther than I ever had in the past, as it turned out I think I reached 16 miles for the day. It was great but I wanted more. Any normal being wants to get a whiff of winning in some area of their life. I don't have many trophies to show but enough to motivate me at times. I'm no different than the next runner in that I love personal achievement but the truth is that's not what I love best in this 6 year love affair with running. I like to succeed but I like to help others succeed even more. I am not technically knowledgeable on the all the nuances of racing though I have read and experienced enough in 2600 miles to have caught a bit to relay to others. Instead I'd love to think I can encourage others to reach levels they think are unattainable. I will never be a front of the pack helper to fellow runners, instead my heart and passion is for those who struggle to stay with the pack. It is with those who desire to improve but whose confidence needs some propping. I hope that by a few words of timely advice along with an "I believe in you" talk along the way, others will find within them that thing that rises up to reach for unimaginable goals.And I hope that maybe my example to persist instead of packing it up will help others decide not to give up but instead press on to the sweetness of personal victory at every finish line that awaits.