Perfect Race

I remember a movie from 1966 titled “The Endless Summer” where these surfer dudes traveled to beaches all over the world looking for the perfect wave and the perfect ride. I believe this search for perfection exists in most sports. I know I’ve been attempting to run the perfect race, given my fitness level and ability at the time, since 1967.

This past weekend I ran one of the best races of my life. It came as close to perfect that my imperfect memory can recall. It wasn’t the fastest time, the best course, the best scenery, the best weather, or the longest distance. It was the way I ran the race and the mental discipline I maintained throughout the race that was the best ever, and only I can know and judge that.

There are earlier posts about running where I’ve described some of the elements of the perfect race. Those elements are -

1. I want a normal meal and normal sleep the night before. Sleeping isn’t so simple the night before an important race.

2. I want to warm-up in a fashion that does not tire me out prior to the race. I also want easy access to a restroom so I am not distracted by basic body functions during the race.

3. I want to position myself at the starting line where I am in front of slower runners and behind the faster runners. I don’t want to impede faster runners at the start and I don’t want to be impeded by slower runners. If the race isn’t too large and the road is wide enough, it won’t be a significant issue.

4. I want to go out at a pace that is comfortably uncomfortable. The first mile might be a little faster than I can maintain for the distance, but at least it gets me away from the pack of runners and engaged with competitors who are my equal or better.

5. I want to stay mentally engaged in the race at every moment over the entire distance. This is the most difficult and important element of the perfect race. My mind shouldn’t wander into distractions. My mind should stay focused on the current moment of existence and all the moments that lead to the finish line. My mind should be focused on maintaining my pace, and monitoring my physical and mental well-being.

6. I want to continually test my race pace uphill, downhill, and on the flats. I want to be sure that I am running at every moment throughout the race at the fastest pace I dare without dying a slow death over the last miles.

7. I want to be actively engaged in racing other runners, and let them be the only distractions I permit my mind. I want to use other runners as goals and achievements to be overtaken, using each to help buoy my spirits and efforts toward the finish line. Beating other runners isn’t the ultimate goal; they are just a fringe benefit.

8. In the final mile I want to go for it all. I don’t want to ignore the pain, but instead welcome it as a familiar friend. I want to welcome the pain because it tells me I’ve run the beginning and middle sections of the race correctly, and I am now doing what I came to do. I want my mind to push my body to its absolute limit. The pain is temporary, but the knowledge that I have done my very best will last a lifetime.


On Saturday, October 03, 2009 I ran an Atlanta Track Club 10k road race in Cartersville Georgia in 43:06 at the age of 57. Only I know if I actually did each and every element right that day, but I tell you honestly that it felt closer to perfect than it has in years. I think I can take a couple minutes off of that time with the right kind of mileage and speed work. That too is as it ought to be.