I was in Boston today – not in time to see the Boston Marathon and not in shape to
run it. I tip my hat and congratulate all participants. I have run six marathons and I understand and fully appreciate what it takes to go 26.2 miles. Interestingly, it was “patience” that may have been the trait that claimed the victors wreath in the 2006 race.From the Washington Post
"In the long run, patience proved to be the winning formula for Robert Cheruiyot, who set a course record of 2 hours 7 minutes 14 seconds at the 110th Boston Marathon Monday. Cheruiyot, who also won here in 2003, bided his time behind Kenyan countryman Benjamin Maiyo and Meb Keflezighi, both of whom ran a record-setting first-half pace before fading to finish second and third, respectively."
Cheruiyot broke the course record by one second, covering the 26.2 miles in an average of less than 5 minutes per mile. That is amazing to me. For him it was a race of strategy, of understanding himself, running his own race and in the end being patient. More from the Post
"'I was shocked to see Robert [Cheruiyot] come back,' said Keflezighi, from San Diego, who had hoped to become the first American to win at Boston since Greg Meyer ran 2:09:00 in 1983. 'This course takes a lot of strategy, a lot of patience.'"
Cheruiyot watched as the leaders ran away from him. He was comfortable letting them go. As a former winner, perhaps his experience enabled him to be patient. On this day, it was the right strategy.
Like most great sporting events, there are several important lessons of inspiration in 2006 Boston Marathon. Patience, preparation, commitment, strategy. Thanks and congratulations Robert.
Photo Credit to AP - Elise Amendola
Hal, I am intrigued by the notion that the athlete had to "know himself." We really do need to know ourselves well before we can take the risks that stretch us beyond past limits. Indeed this is a quality of a real leader. Thanks for showing what an important part of victory "knowing self" is.
Posted by: Anonymous | April 19, 2006 7:27 PM | Permalink to Comment