Comments on: What’s a Good Performance?

By: TR

TR — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:10:49 +0000

Plus the fact that you run some to get others to the finish. This can’t improve your time, but its something you do for others! And you’re even introducing more competition, So there!

By: Dad

Dad — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:15:21 +0000

I very much enjoyed this really fine blog by a fine engineer, super writer, insightful philosopher, and, oh yeah, an amazing runner. Proud we are related.

By: Peggy

Peggy — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:12:44 +0000

Great insight and perspective, and extremely well expressed.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:24:22 +0000

Thanks Greer! I’m conscious these days more than ever that running, like life, is actually finite. I’ve been first place (like this weekend!) and last but either way, I’m just glad to be running. Come on out some Tuesday with Abbey and walk. You’d add a lot to main fun afterwards.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:17:45 +0000

Thanks so much for the comment. I’ve spent a huge amount of time on this question in the past few years and have cobbled together a rough philosophy of why (and how) I race. I’ve been holding back a post on it (who’s interested? is it perfected yet?), but since you’re interested, I’ll try to post on it soon. Maybe it will add new perspective to your thoughts.

By: Greer Fox

Greer Fox — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:51:59 +0000

Susan – wise commentary! Bruce suggested I take a look at your blog. Now I see why. I too loved running, no matter that I was always one of the last in the race pack and slower than all my age mates. I ran until my knees and hips said “no more” and kept me awake all night with pain. Now, I poke along with Abbey and am glad to do so, but in my mind, the wind is rushing past my face while I lope up the trail. Good luck with your back-to-backs. We’re rooting for you! Greer

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:23:38 +0000

Susan,
What a great blog post!!
I’m struggling now with my own running performance relative to my times from a few years ago. I ask myself each run why I’m doing it. To be as fast as I use to? To impress others? To win races? No, no and no. I run to be outside, feel the sun, stay fit, meditate and think. It makes me feel good.
I think we all must ultimately decide for ourselves what is a “good” performance based on our value of running. The wise ones will not fall into the ego trap of letting others decide for us what is a “good” performance. They will define it for themselves.
Your running sounds amazing! I admire your tenacity and endurance. Thanks for sharing.