Il Corridore (The Runner)

November 9, 2009 — Posted in training

Lately, I’ve gotten quite busy with school and a major scholarship grant, so my training has slipped. While I’m swimming ~4km twice a week (hopefully more soon!), the running and biking side of things is lacking. I’ve got an itch to get more focused and start putting in some miles. I have many excuses for my lack of training. I have no excuses for my lack of training. The difference between these two statements separates the active and the athlete.

Recently, Adam Campbell posted this video on his blog. I wanted to share it here, simply because I found this trailer about Marco Olmo so inspiring. Marco Olmo is a world-champion long distance runner in his early 60s. He won Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc twice. I don’t mean he’s an age-group champion, he was the world champion for two-years in a row, outracing men half his age. When he did not podium in 2008, he didn’t make excuses about his age.

This video reminds me why I push myself to excel. Excuses are choices. My choice is made and I won’t revisit it. Time to get back into things.

2 Responses

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Ian says

Thanks, Leif, I needed that, too. I want to see that movie!

November 9, 2009, 1:00 pm

Continuing the Discussion

Too Old – Leif Baradoy linked to this post on March 20, 2010
[...] Anyway, I hope to see the young cyclist out at the next ride. I recently had an Olympian tell me that she has dealt with the same thought/ false excuse of being too old for her sport (rowing). This was before she qualified for Beijing! Now, she’s got her mind and training set toward London 2012, and she’ll be even older then! My point is that I was inspired and encouraged by this athlete to set aside my bull shit thinking (although there is likely more BS lurking within). Anyway, I hope, in my small way, to pass along this encouraging and, at-ground, more real perspective to others. (Shout out to Marco Olmo.) [...]