Runlift&breathe: Don't judge a book by its' cover

I have been passed by runners' half my size and twice my size...+ my age and half my age...doesn't matter...and I've surprised people with my own ability..."you're running Boston, as a charity number or qualified???" Yep, I take it personally...but that's because perhaps I've always been an underdog...your average experienced runner doesn't look at me and expect me to be able to do what I can do, most times he/she is surprised that I am even a runner...for me it's not a natural skill, just some training and a lot of mental toughness. When we underdogs are doubted, it only fuels our fire....

It's so cliché, but yet we have to do this time and time again. Do not judge a book by its' cover. I've had amazing life experiences with all types of athletes...playing with and coaching...and some of have been"drafted" athletes, decent full college scholarship athletes and even, just good athletes going to a decent college getting a chance to play...but the one I've met that is perhaps the most talented person/athlete yet...is not who you would expect him to be. He wasn't a college athlete as far as I know...but he's someone that is as fierce as any college athlete I have ever coached or played with...he's probably slower than most of the runners' I currently coach right now...but he is by far the most talented...the most talented athlete, runner, and human being....he doesn't talk loud, draw attention to himself...yet he has me captivated...

This person knows what it is like to be on the outside...he joined my group of crazy fit & experienced washed up athletes...he's a new runner...he's changing his life...he has goals...he's creating a new lifestyle....and he will run his first half marathon...and I am so privileged to have had the opportunity to coach him...why? Because he is tougher than any athlete I know....

Don't judge a book by its' cover...I've had my own experiences with this...how could a 5'10, 155lb broad shoulder washed up volleyball player who has all kinds of old mobility issues and injuries be capable of qualifying for Boston? I don't look pretty when I run...it doesn't look easy...I try to encourage all types of runners...because I too am not a beautiful one...don't judge a book by its' cover...

The thing is...usually the coach leads the pack...guiding the path, the pace, the ultimate goal...in my case, for the first time, I am the student...learning from my own...as he guides from the back of the pack...never giving up...going against all odds....defying all....I can learn from him also...to not give up, to keep persisting and not let the dream die...

Don't judge a book by its' cover...the toughest most amazing athletes, runners, human beings will be the ones you may miss if you do so....stop and take a look around. Who amazes you most? Is it the elite who finishes in the top 5? Or is it the person who defies all odds, despite the lack of support, keeps the eye on the prize....and finishes this race....don't judge a book by it's cover...the person with mental toughness may be someone you least expect....