My racing changed from an activity that nourished me and made me feel connected to those around me in the running community to a self-absorbed activity that nearly always left me discouraged because I hadn't met my goal. I had become one of those runners who nearly always crossed the finish line angry...
I was not alone. Standing at the finish line of races today, I see people come across the line angry with themselves and disappointed with their times. They're grumpy when they finish. There's no joy in their faces.
I want to grab them and remind them that life doesn't guarantee that they will see another start line, let alone another finish line. I want them to be grateful for what they have achieved, not discouraged by what they did not. [John "The Penguin" Bingham]