![]() Obsessed. This has to be one of the most common things I am called as a dedicated runner. Am I? Maybe I am. Surely you have to have some remnants of obsession in order to be religiously committed to something? I believe the word obsession refers to something negative, being uncontrollably addicted to something, this is definitely not what I view myself to be over my running. Is running addictive? Yes. There is no greater, or more addictive feeling than the elation felt after a tough training session or successful race. But now I know when to stop and abstain from running, therefore surely this can’t be an obsession? Running does preoccupy my mind, as I’m sure it does many other athletes, but obsession suggests this has a troubling effect on an individual. I am sure I used to be obsessed, as I was unable to stop myself when necessary, but over the last few years, this has not been the case. Running occupies my mind 24:7, but because of my love for it, because of the joy it brings me. A quote that perfectly sums up an athlete being called obsessed comes from the lid of a Inov8 shoe box. ‘Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to call the dedicated’ Not completely true as I don’t believe a lot of those who say it to be lazy. But I do believe they don’t understand what it takes if you want to train to be the best you can be. The more I think about it, the more I reach the conclusion maybe I am obsessed, but is there anything wrong with that? Obsessed to me expresses commitment, motivation and dedication to something. If I wasn’t slightly obsessed, would I even stand a chance of getting anywhere in the sport? If you want something you have to work hard for it, no matter what your discipline. Somebody training to be a doctor has to be obsessed by their subject or they will never have enough ambition to succeed. An artist determined to sell their paintings for millions, also has to be obsessed in order to get their name out there. Therefore, a runner is no different from the rest. If you want to succeed within the competitive environment, you have to be obsessed by what you are doing. You have to be preoccupied by your sport, and dedicate your entire self to that sport. Of course, it does not have to overtake your life, but if it is something you feel passionate about. Pursue it, ‘obsess’ over it.
2 Comments
Clare
6/23/2018 08:16:45 am
This is a brilliant view which as a coach and someone who sees people train can see its importance.Hannah you have come a long way on you road of training and seeing you now sums up so much.Champions are not just born they have to work to their goals.
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Hannah
6/27/2018 08:20:42 pm
Only just saw this! Thank you Coachie!
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Hannah IrwinI love to run and I love to write, so I write about running! Archives
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