The Runner's Rule Book by Mark Remy

Author:Mark Remy [Mark Remy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781605295800
Publisher: Rodale
Published: 2009-03-16T16:00:00+00:00

HARMLESS

VICIOUS

RULE 1.67

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE VALUE OF A TRITE SLOGAN

Don’t ask me why, but the sappiest, most maudlin dime-store platitude—when used in the context of running—can be genuinely inspirational. It’s a kind of alchemy.

I’m talking here about such phrases as, “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” Or “Adversity causes some men to break, and others to break records.” Heard anywhere else, such corny aphorisms might inspire eye rolling. But, for whatever reason, seen or heard in or around a race, they work.

I distinctly recall running a half-marathon near my home in eastern Pennsylvania. It was somewhere between miles 10 and 11, and I was starting to hurt, running nearly alone at that point and fighting the urge to ease up and just coast to the finish. Who would know? And what difference would it make?

That’s when I looked up and noticed the back of another runner’s shirt. On it was a quote from Steve Prefontaine: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

I nearly cried. Seriously.

Oh, and if you want a slogan that’s not trite, try this one, attributed to Benjamin Franklin:

“Things that hurt, instruct.”

I’m pretty sure Ben wasn’t a runner. But that quote makes you wonder.

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