078: What is Winning?

Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.  -Vince Lombardi

In this episode, we dive into the concept of winning and try to put a definition onto it, or at least name some qualities of winning.  

If you have been listening to us for any amount of time, you can probably guess that we categorize winning as much more than simply crossing the finish line before anyone else.  There are two major characteristics needed to win, at least as we put it on the show.

First, to win you must push your limits and be at risk of failing.  Winning requires finding strength to endure through physical and mental fatigue.  Angie and I begin a disagreement that lasts through most of the episode about whether winning requires racing.

Second, winning requires not compromising on your priorities.  On a professional level, this involves not taking illegally banned substances, but this is real life.  With most runners, not compromising means that running may not be your highest priority. Winning requires competing as best as you can given the current circumstances.  

We talk about parents having pre and post baby personal records.  We also get a bit sidetracked discussing the difference between student athletes who prioritize school and athletic students who prioritize sports, as well as why both sides may be correct.  

Finally we take on the idea of participation trophies.  Suggesting that everyone in a race can be a winner is different than saying that everyone is a winner.  The first person across the line may not have tried as hard and the 100th finisher, so who is the actual winner.  

Finally, Angie brings back up her argument that non-racers can still be winning, I agree somewhat but point out they are not specifically winning at running.  Check out the episode for some thought provoking discussion.

Resources: 

• Our Favorite Products to Make Healthy Living Easier
• Our Coaching Programs
• We have SHIRTS! Show your Real Life Runner Pride!
• Speed Workouts (by time and effort)

Hope you enjoy it!! Let us know if you have any questions that you would like answered on our show!    

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