Thursday, June 29, 2006

ARE YOU PASSIONATE?

During my run the other day, I was wondering if bloggers were, on average, more passionate about running (or whatever topic) than non-blogging runners. Intuitively, I’d say yes. I figure people aren’t going to “waste” their time if they aren’t passionate about the topic they are writing about. I mean, I like beer and fantasy football and x-box, but not enough to blog about them. But then again, maybe some people just like to hear themselves “talk” or are into blogging for the social aspect.

Then I got to thinking if faster runners were, on average, more passionate about running than slower runners. Is passion what makes them run faster? I don’t know how you would measure that, but I think it’d be an interesting study.

This last thought popped into my head when I was thinking about my post from the other day. Honestly, I think I’m “slow.” When I saw that only 2% of the field broke 3 hours I didn’t think, “Man, I could do that. I’m fast.” I thought, “Man, we’re all slow.” Then I thought, “You know, I’m pretty passionate about running. Maybe others just aren’t as passionate about it as me. Does that make me fast(er)?”

Training update: the bad news is that I’ve given up trying to run from work – after just one day. The good news is that I found a better place. Prior to my company moving, I used to park at a coffee shop, run, grab a cup of coffee and then head to work. Well, I found another coffee shop that’s in a great location. It’s in Bloomington right near Normandale Lake and Hyland Park. As added bonuses the terrain is a lot hillier than my old pancake-flat trails and the parking is in a covered garage.

After feeling great on Tuesday night, I didn’t feel nearly as great during my next run – only 12 hours later. But that’s okay. I know the Tuesday night to Wednesday morning turn-around is tough. I was just happy to get in an easy 6 miles. This morning I ran a moderately-paced 8 miles. For some reason both of my calves were tight. This isn’t associated with my previous injury, but could be from the stretching and foam roller exercises I’ve added to my routine. I’ll be monitoring those calves closely.

Here’s a quick Joe Mauer update now that I’ve piqued your interest. Yesterday he went 2-3 (raising his average to .392), meaning he ended up going 11-13 in the 3-game series versus the Dodgers. He’s hit safely in 19 of 21 games, during which time he’s batting .478. Also, since he’s a catcher, he usually gets a game or two off a week. Because he’s hitting so well, instead of sitting him down, his coach puts him at DH, where he’s hitting .633. Damn!


Quote of the day;
“I said I’d like to win seven Hawaii Ironman titles – that’s my goal. It doesn’t mean I’m going to do it! I said; these guys (Mark Allen and Dave Scott) set the standard. As the new generation, isn’t it my job to aspire to be better than that? I said I’d like to win seven because these two guys have won six and I’d like to be better than that. Boom! I disrespect the sport…and I sit there and think, if anyone loves this sport, it’s me, mate.” – Chris McCormack, Ironman triathlete

15 comments:

  1. I think if bloggers took half the time they spend commenting and posting and added it to their running time, we would be a much faster lot.

    Myself included.

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  2. What about 'reading' or are you considering that to be 'commenting.'

    If I reduced my blogging in half, it might not make me faster, but I'd probably get a promotion at work.

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  3. Saw Mauer get his 5/5 hits on Tuesday night. Now, if you come from a cricket background where hitting the ball is not as special/random as it in baseball it doesn't seem that impressive. One of those times the numbers help you remember just how good Mauer is at baseball.

    They put up a stat on the screen on at bat 4, which said that he struck out once in his high school career!

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  4. I definitely think that most faster runners are more passionate about running. They have to be to put the training in.

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  5. Evan, wow I didn't know that he only struck out once in HS.

    Brian, maybe some faster runners are just more naturally talented than slow runners with lots of passion.

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  6. You forgot the part where you add that time to your daily runs! If it made you late for work it would probably cancel out that promotion though.

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  7. Zeke, that's why I said most faster runners are more passionate. Talent alone only gets you so far.

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  8. Good points, Mike.

    Ah, I should read a little more carefully, Brian.

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  9. My thoughts...

    "I was wondering if bloggers were, on average, more passionate about running (or whatever topic) than non-blogging runners." On average, perhaps yes, but I've not seen Paul Tergat's or Paula Radcliffe's blogs (not to say I've looked). Do you suppose they're lacking passion since they don't blog?

    "Then I got to thinking if faster runners were, on average, more passionate about running than slower runners. Is passion what makes them run faster? " No, passion is a factor that helps them run to their fullest potential.

    You're right, the 12-hour turnaround is tough. Be careful not to shove yourself back into injury.

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  10. Extending on Ryan's post, I agree that passion makes a runner live up to their full potential. I feel that the passionate runner will also be more confident, will be less prone to injury, and will enjoy themselves a lot more than the fast runner who just happens to have good speed and endurance.

    And not to take anything away from how well the Twins are playing right now, it almost seems like we're living a dream here with the Tigers. But Joe Mauer really is something special, it'll be interesting to see if he can hover around .400 for the rest of the season.

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  11. I'm passionately slow..is that possible!?!...sub-3 is a tough nut to crack, not that I've even been close though.

    Like the quote...chris mccormack spoke at one of my triclub meetings a few years back- really a cool guy. nothing like how he has been portrayed in the media at certain times

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  12. Mike, I'd bet you'd break 3-hours if you stopped biking and swimming and focused solely on running.

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  13. I think there is also a blurred line between passion and desire. I have a passion for running and triathlons, but I have a desire to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Passion is what keeps my going out there. Desire is tacking on an extra mile repeat when you're legs are dead tired. And obviously talent helps.

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  14. i forgot to comment on this post but when i read it, the first thing that came to mind was that i think people tend to be the most passionate about what they are good at. i suppose that runs along the lines of a previous comment regarding "fast" passionate runners. i think its interesting that some people can be passoniate about something they are average (to less than average) at, eh?

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