Does it really matter?

Does it really matter if you come in first? Unless you depend on endurance sports as a money making career and thus willing to sacrifice wearing out your body prematurely, or you are an aspiring Olympic athlete, does it really matter?

In recreational runs where WE pay to compete, the only person who really cares who is first is the one who comes in second and maybe third. After that most just want to test themselves and have fun. Some may want to place in their age category and if not, can be happy if they put forth their best effort. 

Kids in school programs do wish to do well and try at least not to be last. The kids who learn that trying your best and enjoy striving to improve, knowing they have done all they are capable of are the happiest.

Recently reading a book I rediscovered in my library reminded me of the true joy of running. Discussing the subject of truly enjoying runs , this quote in the book stood out;

"Quit comparing times and start comparing feelings. Times don't last. Feelings do."

4 AM on a Saturday? Are you crazy?

Just a little.
Ever since I can remember, I have been up before dawn to start enjoying a day off. I guess it all started with my Dad. Dad would take our family on many trips to the Texas coast or a Hill country lake. Dad loved to fish. Waking early. we'd head out to the fishing pier. I have memories of walking down dimly lit wooden piers, the water glistening below and moving from the wake of fishing boats puttering off into the distance. I learned to enjoy the slow break of day. Light coming over the horizon as the sun rose over the hills or breaking through the water in the distance.
When we weren't on a trip with Dad and the family, my big brother would wake me early on the weekends and we'd go to the local lake and drop a line in the water. As a teenager my friends and I also would get going before dawn. Runs to the lake or the creek to explore and enjoy a sunrise followed by running around the high school campus and getting into the gym if it was open. Walking home when we tired and stopping at a convenience store to grab a snack on the way home. Back home before noon and we still had more than half the day available.
So yes, I'm getting up early on Saturday.
Heading out to run in the hills with friends this morning. It should be a clear day today. I can already imagine the sunrise coming over the hills in the distance as we pause atop Sky Island.
 Oh s&$t look at the time! I've got to go!

TV spot and the Prickly Pear trail races

Recently some in our group were interviewed about Ultrarunning by a local Spanish TV station video reporter. We had fun and talked about what an ultra Marathon is and what experiences we encounter. There's great footage of  our groups aid station and start line of the Bandera 100K too! You'll enjoy it even if you don't understand Spanish. You can watch it Here.

Our group was asked to man an aid station at the Prickly Pear 50K and 10 mile trail runs that were held yesterday at local Mc Allister park. Many in our group also ran the races. At one time we had more help than we needed but it was great hanging out with everyone and watching our friends come by. Our aid station was 3 miles before the end of the race for 10 milers and miles 8, 18, and 28 for the 50Ker's. We had a boom box playing Elizabeth's (She's on the Spanish TV interview)  running play list and many runners came in to our aid station dancing. And at the 28 mile mark some left dancing too!

I helped setup the aid station then ran off to run the 10 miler before coming back to help and hang out at our aid station. The weather was typical prickly Pear weather, wet. This year though it was not as wet as in previous years. Light drizzle would make the mostly black dirt trails sticky so I wore my worn flat NB's. Turned out to be a wise decision. The mud did not clump up on my shoes. I started at the front so I could get in a good spot when we hit the single track. And because I hoped to win another one of those cool Prickly Pear mugs by placing in my age group. Pushing hard the whole 10 miles was my plan, but at mile 3 the mid 60 degree temps and humidity was getting to me. I started too hard,...again. I slowed to a more comfortable pace and relaxed. For the most part, I felt great all race long and never had issues. I'd seen and talked to an old friend before the race. Eric had not run a race in over a year due to an achilles injury. It was good to see him back at it. Eric is a great guy and was once voted as "The Rockhopper (our group) most likely to stop and talk to you while leading in a race." He actually did just that. Eric and I were to leap frog each other until he took off at about mile 7 to catch a runner he had his eye on. Approaching the finish I saw some friends who called out to me. That was fun. Crossing the finish line at 1:23:21 was good enough for third in my age group and a mug. I missed the bigger second place mug by 3 seconds. Oh well, I had a great time and hung out with Eric at the finish line for awhile before going back for more fun at the aid station.