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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