My Running Buddy

Do you have this buddy too? For years I have had an invisible buddy/coach on my left shoulder. Even though I cannot see him, he always whispers “you can give more, try harder, you’re almost there, push, strive, tough up buttercup, etc.” He is a virtual Dave Goggins in my runs. This voice, this “left” coach is a good buddy and he helps me bring fire in competition. Truthfully, though, he can be a bit much.

What I don’t hear enough is the coach on my right shoulder. This guy says “you got this, you’re ready, feel that/ that’s it, isn’t this great, etc.” That voice is one that I need to cultivate more often. You’ve read it here in my posts and you’ll occasionally hear me ask you to consider rest or easing back or enjoying the moment.

As so many of you are planning for races this season, take time on your training runs to smile broadly at the ease at which you glide. You should even take the time on race day to really see the crowd, those who came to see you, the organizers, the smiles and the fantastic efforts all around you. I’ve heard that all this matters more than my Garmin history (direct from my right shoulder coach).

Craig