Failure does not define you.

I think I know a little bit about you.

If you are reading this, we are very likely similar people, in the regard that running is your passion. Its your lifeblood. Its something that you loathe being removed from because you, me, WE; are addicted. As a cross country and track runner, there is something special that takes place when we take to the course or the track. And yet the irony of it, is that as much as our legs burn, as our arms tire, as our mental strength is tested, it is the very source of our energy. It is in our DNA.

And, if you are also like me, while we may compete with all of our heart, all of our physical strength, there were many times where we fell short - and find ourselves asking the eternal "what if" question. You already know the list. What if I didn't kick so early? What if I took the first mile out in 5:30 instead of 5:23? What if I got an extra 30 minutes of sleep last night? What if I had just a little less pasta last night? The list is eternal. But what if I told you that your running career is not defined by the medals you didn't earn, or the championship your team never won, or whatever goal that any of us shot for was never achieved? Sounds easy, but difficult, right?

Let me bring you in on a little secret - I came from a small high school in PA, and ended my XC career with a 16:27 PR... and never won a major race in high school. 

Every race, time and time again, there was someone there to beat me. As I saw my times dropping, I knew I was ready to break out. The ultimate goal that I wanted to achieve was to become the District Champion. Our district was small, but competitive, and I knew that to win individually would take a fast race, but it was achievable. Every waking moment from the summer of my junior year on, was spent focusing on winning the title. Our girls' team had a history of winning, and each time any of them lifted the trophy and received their shiny gold medals, I wanted to be in that position with every fiber of my being. 

The district meet my senior year was my time to shine. The nerves quickly set in when we got to the course. Hands started shaking, my mind started blocking everyone out - there was only one goal in mind. When the race started, I was out quick. Almost too quick. I was able to settle myself down by the mile marker, but quickly came toe to toe with my competitor. Over hills, around turns, and through the cold wet grass we ran as if our futures depended on the outcome of this race. Two miles in. The pace quickened... 800 to go. And then, with about 600 meters to go, as you may have predicted, I hit the wall. We were together with 600 to go, and I ended up losing by six seconds by the end, but not before I achieved my season goal of breaking 16:30, as I ran my PR at 16:27. However, in my pride and foolishness I was so furious with myself that I didn't care about my time. I didn't want to speak to anyone, and I played quite the fool for some time.

However, in my reflection after the end of the season, I came to remember all the good memories I made during my high school cross country career. I made countless friendships, had many laughs, set a couple of records, and even had a good showing at our state meet the week after losing the district meet. It was then that I realized, should we not be defined by our accomplishments over our failures? We all have had bad races before. It is in the nature of our sport, whether track or cross country. But did we not also accomplish SOMETHING during our time racing? Whether the achievement is simply finishing a 5k or winning a state title, did we not all achieve something? We are runners. There is a fire deep within us that burns for competition. We yearn for it. Whether or not we achieve our goals or not, if we gave our best efforts in the process, who can deny us? We were willing to sacrifice our bodies and endure whatever pain was necessary to reach our goal, and THAT is a greater achievement than any medal or time - for the will to win will never outshine the will to PREPARE to win. 

Best Regards,
WG