Physiology of Runners 6: The Mind

As I was pondering on a few key characteristics of runners and running in general, I thought to my self.... "What is the hardest part about running for me?"  I came to the conclusion that the hardest part about running for my self was the mental aspect of the sport.
I struggled alot in high school with my mind and being able to control it during races and make it a tool instead of a hindrance.  If I didnt race as well as I wanted I would beat my self up and cause all sorts of stress on my self to simply work harder, train harder, run longer.  I just wanted to work my self to death in order to win.  My sweet loving mother made me a little book my senior year with a bunch of motivational quotes in it for me to read before races. There inside was a quote that would start to change my life as a runner forever.  The quote is by one of the worlds most famous runners of all time, Steve Prefontaine.

“Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you              traveled from where you started.”


I love this quote not only because its a great running quote, but also because it exactly what our Savior said in 3 Nephi 27:27  "...What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I AM."
He wants us to be even as he is.  But does that mean that we have to be perfect all the time?  No, He wants us to strive each and every day to reach this goal of "perfection", though knowing that we cannot do It on our own.  SO, to tie it all around Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started, meaning that the savior isnt worried about where we are in the end, but how far we have come to reach him.  I bear witness that this is Gods Kingdom on the earth and we can all return to live with him, if we will abide by this piece of doctrine. 

An Inspiration to All: Steve Jones

As I was looking through a few "well known" runners in history I came across the usual.  Steve Prefontaine, Roger Banister, Bernard Legat Etc.  But there was one that I have never heard of before, and that was Steve Jones, a Welsh athlete.
 In the European Championships shortly after, he once again competed in the marathon. Leading from the start and breaking away from the pack, Jones ran a brilliant race up to the 20 mile mark. At that point he was leading by over two minutes and on schedule for another world record. However, he then "hit the wall" and suffered terribly in the final six miles. He slowed to a virtual shuffle, but refused to quit as he watched other competitors catch and pass him.
He always gave the heart and courage that was needed to succeed in his races.  I found a video that really shows how much guts, heart, and courage this guy has. It's from 1983, from the 10,000 metres at the Brussels meet.  In the last 2 laps he leads by 25 metres.......

No one thought he could win this race, just like Satan tells us we can win OUR race in life and return to the presence of our Father in Heaven.  May we have the courage to stand against Satan, just like Steve had the courage to win this race.