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The Need for Speed
The mainstream running culture is steeped in valuing speed over enjoyment. Most running products, services, and strategies are all designed so we can go faster. There is an urgency to keep pushing and pushing ourselves so we can PR again.
But why is faster better? Perhaps it shouldn’t be.
If you’re training for the Olympics, looking to break records, and want to come in first, I understand the quest for speed somewhat. But most of us are not elites. I'm not fully convinced we should be so obsessed with running speed at the expense of our health and well-being.
I know that even though we are not elites, we have goals for ourselves that involve gaining speed so we can be “better” runners. But at least ask yourself the reason.
“I want to run faster so I can be done sooner”
Doesn't this go against our love of running? If we really enjoy it, wouldn’t we want it to last as long as possible?
“ I want to PR”
Is this based on pride and ego? Validation? What is the reason we need to beat our last time? I have yet to meet a single runner to give me a good answer for this other than, “I just want it.”
