May 4th, 2010
Well, the Stanford track may not have been magical for me Saturday night but it was for my team mates!!!!!! My 5k race wasn't really a race and instead it turned into a lonely time trial. Big bummer! As a result, I ran mostly by myself battling a headwind until the last 100m where I was out-kicked (not fun). I have realized that my strength as a runner is also my greatest weakness. Sometimes I am just too stubborn and aggressive. In this situation, I was probably better off saving a fast effort for a different time and place (my coach wisely hinted this beforehand). It is amazing that at my age I still go through so many growing pains. Over the past year I have been through many growing pains, trying to morph myself into a better and stronger runner. I have had to adapt to a new physical and mental approach, but I still have some old habits that creep out every once in a while. It has always been ingrained in me to push the limit all the time, because if you don't, well then, you are a wuss. As I am growing, I am learning that there is a time and place for that attitude. Chasing fast times and records is not always in the true spirit of competition.
Watching my team mates run the 10k at Stanford (Chris, Simon, and Tim), showed me what can happen when you just compete. Spectacular performances occur! They have been preparing for this moment their whole careers and they capitalized when it presented itself. I cried Saturday night over their race efforts because it was beautiful, and to simply put it, could not have happened to three better guys. I am still beaming with pride and feel so fortunate to be a part of this group. Their race reinforced what my coach has been telling me. The training is hard and my body may not like it right now, but it does pay off. They are the proof. I believe it.
5 comments to "May 4th, 2010"
Great blog, Shalane. You are an incredible runner and even though the race wasn't competitive till the very end, it was awesome seeing you, just flying, out in front of everyone else. I loved reading your reflection of your race, it's a nice take on the true spirit of competition. You inspire me.
I agree with Stacey - it was so cool and inspiring to see you flying around the track again, and I love your post-race thoughts. Hearing about your growing pains, and especially about old habits creeping back up, is something all runners can relate to :) You are in awesome shape and I cannot wait to see you race again!
After seeing your post-race interview on Flotrack, I'm glad you've posted how you really felt about that race, because that post-race interview made you seem like a whiner.
Your point is well taken, Shalane, that not every race is suited for for a PR or record. Just ran a tune up 5K where I didn't try for a PR given a headwind and a more important half-marathon on the schedule.
Shalane, are you leaning toward competing in a half-marathon or marathon this fall? Many people I know are hoping that you do.
In good health,
Tek
Shalane, your latest post had the hintings of Prefontaine, he didn't think it was true or quite pure (of a race) if he wasn't running his hardest the entire time. I just watched the movie Without Limits (a Pre story) and your post reminded me of him. Thank you for giving your fans a glimpse inside your world of running, its truly appreciated. Thank you for inspiring us all!
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