Fast Guy Problems: Raising the Bar

Running is a sport of numbers. Almost every sport has their stats nerds, but most runners keep track of their progress through various numbers. Pace, overall mileage, goals, personal bests, etc. The majority of runners I know keep track of these numbers through apps, mileage log websites, or even physical journals. These records let us know where we are, where we have been, and where we want to be. The problem with this is that numbers are universal and easy to compare, even when they shouldn’t be.

As a highly competitive runner, my personal bests are a standard that I am constantly trying to beat. I analyze most races by their course and my training to judge if it will be possible to achieve a new record. Regardless of my conclusion, I run as hard as the course allows and expect a ball park time in return, generally with some accuracy.

The trick to being a competitive runner, especially a self coached one, is high standards. This set of expectations provides the drive and conscience to make the most of your capabilities, day after day. To run hard regardless of the weather, cancel or modify plans that don’t fit the training, and physically push the body to its limits. This has to happen without prizes, rewards, cheering fans, no external stimuli to endorse the effort level.

The end result is a desire to go faster, of course. Each and every time I cross the line, I pick apart my race, my strategy and effort, to try to find the places where I could improve. With the knowledge of effort and capability comes the time standard that I would find acceptable for any given event. This is where a problem can arise with numbers. Because of my work and skill level, my times are quicker than average. What I demand and expect from myself sets the bar pretty high. A performance I would berate myself for, many dream of attaining.

But in the same way I understand my training and capabilities, others should as well. We all have our own standards and goals, and knowing people of differing abilities in no way demeans your personal achievements. I follow Olympic hopeful Sage Canaday on Facebook and enjoy seeing his workouts and performances, even though he can leave me in the dust. I find it inspiring to know someone so fast and talented, even though his bad day would still easily beat my best. I don’t compare, but enjoy and try to glean knowledge from the information he offers.

So to those who take offense to my sometimes public self shaming for a less than ideal performance, please keep this in mind – I have set the bar quite high and expect much of myself. If I am not honest with myself in my training and racing, I may lose my competitive edge. On the flip side, I consider others who triumphantly announce their 6 mile long runs or breaking the 10 minute mile pace threshold, to be inspirational and no less worthy of respect. You do not make me any better of a runner than being slower than I than I make you any worse of a runner by being faster.

Enjoy your miles, however many they will be, at the pace that works for you. Because I guarantee you, regardless of capabilities, that is everyone else’s goal as well.