Thanks for the videos Fred.   Love that video.   I train with a 30-34 y.o. who is the toughest mental competitor that I have ever raced and trained with.   When he is about to explode he digs down and runs faster.   When he does blow up; it's big time because he's given it his all.

This is one of the most fascinating parts of our sport.   How far/fast can we get?  How far/fast can we push ourselves?.   How willing are we to be the best that we can be?  Are we willing to run 1000-1200 miles in 18 weeks just to race 26.2?   Or are we satisfied with just completing the course?   I have more drive now at 54 than I did in high school and college but have reduced potential.   But when I see masters running 1:08 1/2 marathons; I think why can't I do that?  What do I need to change to be competitive with that guy?   (How could I beat Fred in a mile race?);)

Mental toughness is natural to some but must be learned by others.  I believe it can be learned by overcoming pain, tradition, low expectations, and just plain hard work.  Will I ever be the best in the world?  Nope, but I'll lace 'em up with anyone.

Imgellin - we had a humorous discussion of this issue on another board.  The question was: "How do you know you have "IT"?    "It" is tough to define but sounds to me like you have "it".

ksrunrs 1 & 2, I've been running my "not every day" prescribed distance and thinking about some of the dialogue here.

Thanks Euphoric - I thought I had run everyone off and was getting lonely.

Fred - I'll be watching to know what your puke zone is.  Please keep us advised.

Hi everyone! I have been a lurker for a long time now, but felt impelled to join the discussion, hope you don't mind.

I guess an introduction is in order: my name is Simon, I live in Newmarket, just north of Toronto, been running 2 years and 6 months, just turned 58, so eligible as far as age goes!  (I know some of you from RA, as well as here.)

I wanted to thank Fred for posting the great videos, and a previous one, many months ago, of Ryan Hall training at altitude, such fluid motion, beautiful to watch.

As my own runnning gradually progresses I am more and more impressed by some of the outstanding athletes in this group; in fact a bit intimidated-that's why I haveconfined most of my posts to the "newbies"  area.Anyway, I hope I can contribute a little from time to time, thank you for all I have already learned from following the discussion.