Becoming Your Own Hero

by Mark G. Collis

I asked a group of people how they felt about running a ten-kilometer road race as a personal challenge.

Most couldn't understand why we do what we do. Some were disgusted, others felt sorry for us, some wouldn't even think about trying. It was just so alien a concept to their life style that it was unimaginable. They seemed to be still looking for inspiration from society around them, not from within themselves. Our instant gratification society has not only helped destroy the work ethic, but also made any effort unpalatable.

However, as runners, we know that quick and easy road is a false trail.

All runners know this. They get out and do the tough things that are required. We know that you have to put in the training if you want to race a marathon. To most people this is a monumental feat and it is. But to us, although the goal is tough, we know with planning, training and preparation, it's do-able.

We all want to accomplish the tough, attain the impossible. We want our chance to be heroes, if only in our own mind. As runners we are "heroes" to those around us. Sometimes we are even the objects of envy, admiration and awe. We, as runners don't see ourselves in this light, but those around us do.

I even have a few running heroes of my own. They aren't the big names, I don't have a personal connection to them. For me, it's hard to get excited about Zatopek, Jerome or Shorter. Their feats of athletic skill are so far beyond mine that I have no scale of measurement. I can't "grok" them. However, I do admire strength of character and work ethic. Some of them are fast runners in the club who are willing to drag my sorry butt with them, to improve my meagre abilities. Some of them are not so fast, like Jesse, who through his strength of will and sheer determination are inspirational. Some are heroic in how they meet or have met challenges in their lives. All are inspirational.

Sure, there are the limits of physiology. I can't run 26.2 miles in 2:10, but based upon my current ability and training I am hoping to complete my spring marathon in 3:30.

Just as 2:10 is unrealistic and unattainable for me, for some people 100 lbs. or a size five is just as unattainable. Obsessing on an unattainable goal is a sure way to frustration and unhappiness. But as runners, we know our race and training paces, we have previous races to measure our successes by. In this way we can self-regulate and manage our expectations.

No one completes a marathon without long term planning and dedication. You can't do it the first time out in your new running shoes. Runners know that you are the only person that can get your butt across the finish line. The cheers from the crowd help you when you are tired, but only you can do the training and preparation for race day. When the gun goes off, you put that work to the test. As runners, it is a challenge we all recognize and embrace.

Pick a reachable goal, set a date, and begin with a training plan. Recognize that you probably can't get there by yourself, you need training partners and a support team. Hillary didn't make it to the top of Everest without the help of his Sherpa's and guides.

How to begin? You start your 10k-training program by running a block. Walk, then run some more. Remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Plan on about 6 months on training if you want to go from couch potato to a runner who can finish a 10k. It took me an entire month to be able to run 3k with out stopping, another six months to complete my first 5k race, and another year and a half to finish my first marathon. I'm nearing the end of my training for my fourth marathon, and I'm hoping to run fast enough to qualify to run in Boston next year.

Running, like life, is hard work. If you want to cross that finish line, you have to earn it. All runners know, that to succeed in a race or life, you have to dig, fight and work your butt off. If and when you crash and burn, you get up, and start training all over again. Hopefully, smarter for the experience.

Effort is also a part of growing up. In the real world, "I can't." "I would never..." and "Why would I even try..." won't get you hired or earn you a promotion. An attitude like this guarantee's that your most common work place phrase will most likely be "Would you like some fries with that?"

Sure, there are days that you will hurt, there are also the days where you feel incandescent. There will be days you don't want to run, but there will also be days when you can't wait to tie on your shoes.

When you finish that first race you will know the personal satisfaction of accomplishing something big and that you have done it for yourself. You probably won't be the first person to cross the finish line, but then most of us runners will never finish in the hardware. You probably won't be the last person either, but if you are, you have accomplished something that most of the population never will. By setting our personal goals we can still succeed even if we are the last person to finish.

Even if you do by chance finish last, you still completed something that was difficult. And if you tried your hardest, you have succeeded. Even the last person across the finish line is faster and fitter than 98% of all the couch potatoes eating chips and watching "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"

Finishing a race, like all things worth pursuing, is a hard endeavour, takes planning, training and effort. If I can do it, you can too. All it takes it the desire to change and the will to do something about it.

The 10K race is a metaphor for living a good life. No matter what you do in life, don't just be a spectator, be a player. Anyone can watch from the sidelines, but few participate in the race. Choose to become the hero that you want to be.

© Copyright Mark G. Collis - used with permission.