Why race? I had this discussion with a friend today and we both admitted that it can be a real ego boost - and mostly not in a positive way. The ego is great at giving itself a boost (and very often tearing others down in the process) but the price we pay for this boost weighs heavy on the spirit. Racing often becomes a game of separation - us against them, me versus you, and even ourselves pitted against ourselves. It is a game where for every winner there has to be a loser. That's the ego's game and to be honest I find it less in running than in other sports. Running is a more insular activity but the inner competition we place upon ourselves can be just as fierce - maybe even more so. Again it becomes ego driven- only it's our selves we're tearing down in the name of setting a personal record, of being faster today then we were just yesterday. There is another way - and it still allows for the healthier aspects of competition. It was this alternative way that caused me to fall in love with ultra running - where you very often find the race leader pause and help another runner after a fall, or smile and give encouragement to the last place runner as he/she loops them for the second (or third) time. That's running with spirit - it's running as the best version of our self. It only takes a gentle shift in perspective to achieve this - a single intent to run with instead of against. Run with the trail, or road, run with others (be it fast or slow) and run with the grace, speed and power that we find ourselves blessed with on race day. Run for the sheer joy of motion and company of others. Run with and not against. We will cross the finish together - no matter the distance between us.
Peace,
Eric
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