In my first race, when I wanted to give up, I was completely taken off guard when a runner from another team started to encourage me. After marvelling about this quite a bit, I came to the conclusion,“ Why not?”
The people around us in the run of life need encouragement too. It doesn’ t make you any less competitive. If they do better from your encouragement, it just pushes you to be better as well. What would happen if we encouraged and showed genuine kindness, even to those who may seem to be competing with us? I am sure we would all win. you can’ t do it, despite the fact that every day you run that same distance, or more. Don’ t let your mind defeat you. Remember how many hard times and steep hills you’ ve run so far, and keep going. You are stronger than you know.
To sum it all up, my advice to you is just run. In the beginning it may be hard to understand that the whole idea is not only to beat the other runners, but eventually you learn that the competition is more against the little voice inside you that wants to quit. Go out there and silence that voice.
Lizette in action
your job to push yourself and make up the difference. You are not always going to feel strong in the run of life, but even at your weakest point it may be important that you remain strong for those around you.
6. Kindness is important, even during competition. Cross country is an interesting sport because while it is still a competition, everyone is pushing through the pain together, and thus they have sympathy for each other.
7. It is important to show strength and heart on the uphill. It’ s obvious that running uphill is hard. It takes strength, endurance, mental toughness and heart. Running cross country, I was once given a bit of advice about taking on a rival:“ Beat her on the uphill.” Running, as mentioned earlier, is a mental sport. If you pass someone while you are running up a hill, you defeat them mentally. In their minds they think,“ If she can pass me on the uphill, I have no chance of catching her.”
Some of your hardest battles will be like going uphill, but if you can overcome those challenges, you will feel unstoppable. Everything else in life will seem easier, so dig deep and stick it out during those uphill battles.
8. You’ ve done it before, you can do it again. Sometimes during a cross country race you feel like
Club
START YOUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WITH THE
Club
MODERN ATHLETE CLUB IN JANUARY 2017
WHAT IS THE MODERN ATHLETE CLUB?
The MODERN ATHLETE CLUB is for runners of all abilities. Whether you are just starting out, looking to take your running to the next level or just wanting the enjoyment and camaraderie that comes with being a part of a club community, then the Modern Athlete Club is for you. The club will operate largely in a virtual environment, but it will have a real presence at events & club functions. Currently the Modern Athlete Club covers Central Gauteng Athletics( CGA) and Athletics of the Greater North( AGN).
WHY JOIN THE MODERN ATHLETE CLUB? The Modern Athlete Club is more than just a running club, it is a way for you to interact with other runners, to support and motivate each other, make friends, have fun and receive great benefits too.
THE BENEFITS OF CLUB MEMBERSHIP INCLUDE:
• Generic training programs to help you achieve your running goals
• Free entry to the Modern Athlete“ Chill Zones” at partnered events and races, taking your race day hospitality to a whole new level!
• Great discounts and rewards that we negotiate just for you on running gear and race entry fees.
• Free Modern Athlete magazine- Home Delivery subscription – get your favourite mag delivered to your door each month
• Provincial license – a license is required for all races in South Africa, and you need a permanent license to compete in any event over 21km
To sign up or get more info, go to www. modernathlete. co. za / page / the-modernathlete-club, visit us on Facebook https:// www. facebook. com / modernathleteclub / or mail info @ modernathlete. co. za.
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