Hung up on the numbers, are we?  It seems like we can’t even talk about running much anymore without people asking about the numbers.  What was the time?  Was it a Personal Record (or Personal Best)?  Heaven forbid it might have been a Personal Worst!  Or was that a Personal Distance Record?   No, No, and No.  Once we reach a certain point in our running, or if we run a lot, or if we’ve done this for years, then honestly, there won’t be a “record” at every race.  In fact, I go YEARS without achieving new records of pace, time or distance.  And normally when I toe the start line, it has nothing to do with the clock and everything to do with the experience and the people around me.

I measure my success in other ways that may be a bit less “traditional”.  My LIFE GOAL is to stay active.  I want to move.  I want to keep moving NO.MATTER.WHAT.  Regardless of pace.  I want to move.  When I’m fast.  Or slow.  Or tired.  Or overweight.  Or overwhelmed. Or depressed.   I need to keep moving because it makes me feel better in all aspects of my life, especially when things aren’t going great “in the real world”.  So, yes, sometimes I do record a personal best but that might be a PB in the amount of drive and personal determination that it took to conquer an event and make it all the way to the finish line.  Sometimes a magnanimous amount of effort goes into something and that effort won’t always be appropriately reflected in the number that stares back at us on the clock.  I encourage you to let go of the number on occasion and just revel in the accomplishment.  And realize that your personal best TODAY may not be the same as yesterday and it certainly won’t be the same as tomorrow.  Give what you have to give today.  Then dig a little deeper.  And be proud.  NO.MATTER.WHAT.

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As runners, we are at the point of the year where many of our friends are “running off” to Boston.  Our fast friends are heading east to run one of the oldest and most prestigious marathons in history.  It’s one race which many of us may never run because we may never qualify.  It’s hard not to compare ourselves to others at a time like this.  It’s hard not to wonder how they can do it when maybe we can not.  But comparing ourselves to others, particularly our fast friends, will only bring us down.

Be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how big or how small.  Be happy for others who have met their goals but also know that all of your goals are also within reach.  Acknowledge that we all live different lives.  We all have different ability levels.  We all have different body types.  We all have different genes ….. some of which are speedy genes and some of which are more relaxed and laid back.    Focus on experience.  Focus on a goal that will make you happy.  Focus on something that is achievable with hard work.  Know that a distance goal for one is absolutely unrealistic for another.  Know that a time goal for one is out of reach {or even way to easy} for a friend.  Praise others for their accomplishments and don’t forget to be proud of where you are in your journey, no matter where you are headed or how far you have left to travel.  PRs, PBs, PWs, PDRs ….. are all that …. PERSONAL.  We strive for different goals for different reasons because we are all different people.  Our reasoning is personal to each and everyone of us.  Don’t let the accomplishments of another mar your PERSONAL goals and achievements.  Keep pushing toward your dream(s)!

** Put your PERSONAL BEST Forward, Each & Every Day …. Regardless of What the Results Yield ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

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