Ottawa Race Weekend

This weekend, my friend Ann will run in the half marathon. I think she’s crazy but I will be there to cheer her on. I’ve never been much of a running although I understand its appeal. It has a low cost of entry — really, all you need is a good pair of running shoes — and you can do it almost anywhere and any time.

I have tried running from time to time (although never very seriously), but I just don’t think my body is built for it —I blame it on bad knees and big boobs. I admire those who do run but it does seems like some people’s interest in the sport borders on obsession.

Race Weekend in Ottawa is host to a full range of races, ranging from a 2 K Family Fun Run to a full marathon. It has grown from 146 participants in its first year (1975) to more than 30,000 participants this year.

One of the non-race events this weekend was a talk by John Stanton, founder of the Running Room. To the runners in the room (most of the 400 or so people that were there), he gave some advice on running and some provided a few strategies for running the race.

I was more interested in John Stanton, the individual and businessman. The success of the Running Room has been fairly spectacular and I was looking for some insight into he achieved that success. One statement he made stood out for me; it was:

An intelligent goal
AND a group of people to share it with
AND confidence
= SUCCESS
whether it is a marathon or life

To me, the concept of community and confidence building is an important contributor to reaching your goals. If you have the confidence in yourself and the support of friends and/or family, you will have a greater chance for success, in whatever you attempt. It is so important to focus on the possible and the positive.

Thanks for the inspiring words John!