Run Like Thomas Edison

Throughout my years,  I’ve learned there are a lot better wordsmiths out there than myself.  Because of that fact, I am constantly reading and collecting quotes to convey a thought or meaning much quicker and clearer than I could’ve ever come up with.  It turns out that Thomas Edison is a treasure trove of quotes that apply to running and athletics.  With the weather turning towards Bunsen burner levels this summer, I thought some of Edison’s words of wisdom would be a good guide for us as we head out the door each day.

• “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”  Substitute the word "success" for "genius."  We have to put in the hard work to achieve something worthwhile.
• “Failure is really a matter of conceit.  People don't work hard because, in their conceit, they imagine they'll succeed without ever making an effort. Most people believe that they'll wake up some day and find themselves rich. Actually, they've got it half right, because eventually they do wake up.”  When someone says they want to be faster or fitter but don't put in the work to make that happen, they are whining.  Goal-oriented people don’t have time for whining.  They're too busy working towards being faster or fitter.“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to try just one more time.”
• “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this - you haven't.”  “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”  “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”  These quotes go together so well.  Think back to when you completed your first running or walking goal.  There was likely a point in training where it hurt and you did not want to go on.  Sometimes you thought you couldn't go on.  But you did.  Don’t let a speed bump or wrong turn stop you. Nothing worthwhile comes without effort or sacrifice.  It just makes the accomplishment all the more rewarding in the end.
• “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”  Be smart about your running.  Hitting the road for a 10 miler in the noon heat probably isn’t the smartest way to go, but neither is skipping that run altogether. 
• “If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.”  Dare to dream.  You never know how far you can go until you try.

Who knew Thomas Edison had so much to say about running without ever really mentioning or discussing running?  As the temperatures spike, we need to be smart about when and how we run.  Don't be a slave to what the stopwatch says.  Make early mornings your friend.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate... and if you missed it, hydrate.  Invest in some great technical running gear to help keep you cooler.  Three little letters we often forget about when running are SPF.  These are just a handful of things you need to take in to account as you tackle your goals this summer.  Come by any one of our four locations and our Fit Professionals will help you have a happy and successful summer campaign.

Good Luck and Happy Racing.