Running Attitude

Years ago I was training with a running group in San Francisco and came across this coach named Jack Daniels. Yes, his name is really Jack Daniels. That alone made him stand out. I never saw or met Jack Daniels but every week, we would get an email with these awesome workouts. Turns out Jack Daniels really knew his stuff, and it is from him that I adopted my running attitude:

"Don't run as hard as you can. Run as fast as you can without straining."

The difference between running hard and running fast without strain is subtle to some, but clearly different to those who "get it". When I read this quote, dark clouds parted, the light came shining through, I heard angels singing and doves were flying everywhere, I think you get the point. Running as hard as you can will most likely lead to injuries, while running as fast as you can without strain will most likely result in fast and efficient running. If on every run, you only push a pace that is still smooth and strain-free, running will be fun, no matter how fast. And the only thing that should be hard is your breathing when you're doing those fartleks, hill repeats or track workouts. Find your running attitude this season.