“Controlling Competitive Running Instincts.” Interesting. I don’t really have that problem; I don’t mind at all if somebody passes me on a training run. Any men want to weigh in?
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Comments
5 responses to “Controlling Competitive Running Instincts”
It’s more a case of resisting the urge to speed up to chase that beautiful woman who just breezed pass…
This happens to my 2 speedy sisters (think 6 minute miles) when they run down at the Town Lake trail,and I know it really pisses them off, plus they find it super creepy when they pass a dude and he immediately speeds up to try and stay on their tail or re-pass them. Of course, being a solid 11 minute miler myself, it never ever happens to me. :o)
I hate it when I have to pass people who are walking, and I am not much faster than they are. Then I feel like I have to speed up a little so that the pass doesn’t take forever. 🙂
There is certainly something to this. I feel it when out with others. And supported it with data from my sport tracks. And will be a serious issue for me on my Marathon on May the 2nd.
I’ve read where mens brains are wired a certain way that causes it. I’d have to do some research to see where I saw it, I think it was NEJM.
It’s weird… but I thnk it is kind of instinctive. When I was out running on Monday evening, I was working to maintain a quite specific pace, around 65-70% effort. This guy caught up and then passed me on the other side of the road. My immediate instinct (almost without volition) was to pick up my pace. I had to then catch myself and think: “Stop it you idiot, you’re out here to do something specific, and chasing that guy isn’t it”. I think I try and fool myself that it doesn’t bother me, and most of the time I get away with it. But moments like that catch us at our worst!