Others

Running involves the physical body, but it also requires the mental strength you derive from other sources. Looking at a cartoon on running can lift your spirits. It relaxes you and allows you to see the humor in the situation. Rich Tennant, for example has a series of cartoons on runners sure to lighten your mood. Also, check out T. McCracken, Mark Parisi, Simeon Liebman, Bent Thompson, David Farley, Scott Metzger and Rui Batista. Some of their work will have you in stitches but, thankfully, not runner’s stitches. Similarly, there are, besides comics, various internet sites that will supply you with runners’ jokes and stories to lighten your mood and, hopefully, your feet.

Other sources of laughter, hope and inspiration lie in quotations. When in doubt of what you are doing and why, simply pick up a book of quotations by runners on runners or find it on line. It is hard not to be reassured by the word of Jesse Owens. His life inspires others to run and enjoy the sport to its fullest.

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A quote by Jesse Owens refers to another source of inspiration and support – your friends and family. If you run at any meet or are part of a club, you are certain to meet like-minded people. More often than not, these commonalities will bring you together. Other runners are a great source of support and information. Their tales of past and present races can help guide you through the morass. Older or more experienced runners can aid you in your running skills and help you to acquire the mental strength to do what you need to do to make it through or even win a race.

If your family stands behind you, you can accomplish almost anything. They may not be able to help you run better by knowing the right skills, but they usually know the right thing to say. A family will take you to the race, encourage you as you run it and be there at the finish line. They will help you recover from a loss or get over a physical injury. A family and friends combine to provide you with an important support group. They also can take care of the practical matters while you are away. They can feed the dog or cat, water the plants and pick up your mail. In essence, family and friends are there for you whether you win or not.