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Running Samurai pt. 1

"If you know the Way broadly, you will see it in all things." - Miyamoto Musashi
Yes, I'm opening with a quote from a 17th century samurai.  Yes, it's a quote you might recognize if you watch a lot of UFC broadcasts or have listened to the Joe Rogan Experience over the last few years.  After Rogan yelling it at me for years, I went out and bought The Book of Five Rings.  Much like Sun Tzu's Art of War, the book was written for warriors but has been adapted to fit the needs of the 21st century world.
The way that I have personally interpreted that quote is in constant learning.  The things that we learn in parts of our lives can often transfer to other aspects.  That is, if we see the Way broadly.

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine

If you plug that quote into the Google machine, you'll see plenty of blogs centered on this ole famous "running" quote.  Pre was one of the most quotable athletes in history and certainly one of the most influential runners in the sport's history.  He spearheaded the 1970s jogging boom with his suicide pace style of distance running.  It probably cost him a medal in the 1972 Olympics (he came in 4th) but it sparked, among other things, the popularity of a running shoe company called Nike.
Pre was more than likely talking about his gift for running.  Now, following Musashi's quote, I'd like to apply it to other parts of my life.  Let's be honest, the only "gifts" I have as far as running goes are my health and a little bit of dedication.
I'm a instructor now.  My job is to not only instruct brand new people on their jobs, but also present myself as an example of professionalism.  Just recently (yes I had the idea while out on a solo long run), I started incorporating this Pre quote into my teaching.  I have yet to find a student who knows who Pre is, but I try to give them a quick history lesson.  The students that come to me are all at least considered to be intelligent.  That is "the gift" that I try to convince them not to waste.  Pre did his speed work, long easy runs, and tempo workouts, my students need to study, do group projects, and seek out help if/when needed.  They can no longer rely on the fact that they're a smart kid.  They need to feed that intelligence with good habits and a strong work ethic.  That's how I'm choosing to integrate this Pre quote into my life.  How about you?  This is part one in a series I'll do on the lessons we learn in running that can be transferred into other aspects in life.
Since Mila is still laid up by surgery, I went on a solo adventure in downtown San Angelo.  Here's the pics:
Downtown little SA

Farmer's Market I stopped to get some fruits, veggies, and coffee after the run

I did the Fort Concho loop to start off today

Fort Concho is a Reconstruction era fort with many of the original buildings still standing and fully restored


For some reason the N. Oakes had a lot of running water going on this morning

A view of the Concho

The ole Cactus hotel


The art museum (that I actually haven't visited yet)


Same bridge, opposite view of the Concho

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