Nothing Less Than Brave

In 12 days I run Blood, Sweat and Beers, a 10.5 mile trail race in the American River Canyon.

I’m terrified.

It’s been a while since I’ve felt so under-prepared for a race. Usually I thrive on the adrenaline pumping through my body the days and weeks leading up to an event.  I hunker down mentally and focus on every morsel of food I put into my mouth; wondering if it will help or hurt my race. Usually I talk up my race and set my sights on the finishing time I want to see by my name. Usually I am excited, eager, enveloped with a passion for racing.

Not this time. Recognizing I’m under-trained, I hope to simply cross the finish line in one piece.

Seth Godin recently wrote a post titled Competition as a crutch -

 We often point to competition as a tool to bring out the best in people. You will run faster or work harder or fight more ferociously if there’s someone breathing down your neck or a record to be broken.

The problem with competition is that it takes away the requirement to set your own path, to invent your own method, to find a new way. When you have competition, it’s the pack that decides what’s going to happen next, you’re merely trying to get (or stay) in front.

Competing with yourself is more difficult, requires more bravery and leads to more insight.

I want to remember Seth’s post during the race. I want to remember the free spirited little girl I felt inside me as I did my short trail runs this last month. I want to experience Blood, Sweat and Beers differently than other races.

I am be under-trained and terrified…but I refuse to be anything less than brave.

          brave: adjective. Ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage.