Well actually I’ve added several new ones over the last 4 or 5 days, but for some reason this one, by club coach Mike Fanelli, stands out a lot:
I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart.
I can definitely relate to the first part – run with your head. For example, if I think about some of my 5k races, on countless occasions I’ve blown the chance of a good time by getting caught up in a race against others and starting off too fast. You have to be smart, run with your head and start off at the right pace.
Personally, I’d like to switch the middle and last parts of the quote around to suit my style of racing – run the middle part with your heart, and the last part with your personality. Again, if I think about my own races, the middle part is where the true desire to succeed kicks in. The easy part is over and if you’ve allowed your head to start you off, you’re in good shape for a great race. Have the heart to run well and this will set you up for the toughest, but most rewarding part of the race.
Finally, run the last part with your personality. For me this means laying everything on the line and giving everything I’ve got. There’s a word in Welsh, “hwyl“, that captures exactly how I feel in the last part of every race I run. Hwyl has a slightly different meaning depending on who you ask, but these examples should give you an idea of what I’m talking about:
What’s your favorite motivational quote? Let me know in the comments section and if it’s a good one, I’ll add it to my list.
When it comes to marathoning, I consider 12 miles the halfway point. Once you’ve gotten through 24 miles, the last few can take care of themselves. The trick is saving a nickel for the end, but only having a nickel left when you get there.
Thanks for your using of and personal interpretation of my quote re: how to approach racing with one’s head personality and heart!
best,
MF