The more I run, the more I want to run, and the more I live a life conditioned and influenced and fashioned by my running. And the more I run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to become the person I am.
~George Sheehan
According to Amby Burfoot, in The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life, there are 5 essential traits that most "respected runners" share. I thought I would share them with you.
Patience
We require patience to meet our goals, when we become injured or sick, when dealing with the pressures of daily life, etc. It is important to remember to pace ourselves in all aspects of life. "Remember: You're in it for the long run. Life is a marathon, not a sprint; pace yourself accordingly.
Balance
I know it may be hard to believe, but some people love running so much, they run marathons every weekend! Woah. Running is a great thing, but in moderation. Amby claims, "If you are having fun, you've probably achieved balance." And isn't having fun what running is all about??
Stotanism
Stotanism means toughness. "The stotan must be willing to stand on his own, to resist pain, to stick to his ideals...He accepts the challenges of training, injuries, and disappointments without complaining." Running is hard. It is humbling, tiring, and amazing all at the same time. Not just anyone can be a runner :)
Respect
This one is broken into 2 categories:
~Respecting other runners
This is one trait I have found across all runners I have met. Runners are (mostly) great people! I have met so many wonderful runners at races, through running clubs, and through the running/blogging community. Runners respect one another. Think about it...when you are out for a run, and you see another runner, don't you just want to wave?? And how about this: "An exercise physiologist can essentially prove that a 4-hour marathoner works harder than a 2 hour marathoner." Running a marathon is running a marathon, no matter how fast it takes you to finish.
~Respecting the distance:
26.2 miles that is, or any distance for that matter.
Humility
One of the biggest lessons a runner can learn. Every runner faces a bad day, a poor race, or embarrassment of some sort. Humility is what teaches us to get back up and do it all over again.
