The Arena

 

For many of you, race day, the culmination of many months of training is nearly upon you.  Your devotion and sacrifice towards a goal have helped you grow as both a runner and a person.  No matter how race day goes, you are different than the person that first set your goal.  Putting yourself through the training required to compete in an event that last for hours takes some gumption and has strengthened your mettle and resolve.  You've prepared yourself as best you can.  All that is left is to toe the line and test yourself.  No matter what obstacles you face on race day, there is no failure. As the great Australian coach Percy Cerutty once said, "Fail, it's not in my dictionary. I've got a good dictionary and the words 'fail' and 'failure' have been ruled out for years. I don't know what people are talking about who use that word. All I do know is temporary non-success..."  You will finish your race a better, stronger person than you were just months ago - and that is worth more than any medal or trophy, which are only symbols of the work you had already accomplished.  

 

During your race, be prepared to push and sweat and suffer, just as you have in training for the last several months.  But also remember to relish in the empowerment of all that you have and will continue to accomplish.  Welcome to the new, stronger you.  It's the journey, not the destination, that matters.

 

Good Luck and Happy Racing!