BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - What We Can Learn From a Pro

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let’s get started by talking about what happened over the weekend. Not only did the Frisco Railroad Run take place (one of my all time favorites) but the London Marathon took place as well. 

And while OMRR reported some fast marathon finish times (as well as other distances), no one was as fast as Sebastian Sawe—who crossed the finish line of the London Marathon in 1:59:30. Sawe not only broke last year’s record but became the first person to ever run 26.2 miles in less than two hours. Wow, right? 

Now, before we get into what we can learn from Sabastian, let’s remember that, while training like a pro can make us faster, every person has their “fast” limit based on the way the good Lord made them. Elite runners, like Sawe, generally have a higher VO2 Max, possess a higher percentage of Type 1 (slow-twitch) muscle fibers (which are highly resistant to fatigue), and often have larger left ventricles and superior lung function, allowing for greater blood and oxygen circulation. Science shows that elite runners also show biomechanical superiority in many ways. But to sum it up, elite athletes such as Sawe were born to run, and to run fast. 

Other runners, like myself, were born to run too…. Just not as fast. But that’s okay. After all, running success, at the end of the day, isn’t only measured by the number on the clock but by the joy, friendships, and sense of accomplishment running brings. Not to mention the million other benefits that come from running; like a clearer mind, seeing new sunrises, and earning that iced coffee and extra slice of pizza. 

With that being said, all of us can learn a lot from elite runners such as Sawe, and the elite runners can learn a lot from us average runners as well. 

What exactly can we learn from Sawe? Well…. A quick AI search fetched these results: 

Sabastian Sawe’s historic sub-two-hour marathon (1:59:30) teaches that peak human performance results from blending relentless hard work, mental discipline, and humility with scientific advancements in fueling and footwear. His journey highlights the importance of consistency, simplicity, and running clean.

Key Lessons from Sabastian Sawe:

Discipline and Patience: Sawe emphasizes that "talent, with hard work, discipline and patience," is key to unlocking big achievements. He advocates for consistency, even rising from humble beginnings with minimal resources to reach the top.

Embrace Modern Technology and Science: Sawe credits his record-breaking success to advanced, lightweight Adidas footwear and specialized carbohydrate-based fueling strategies that optimize performance.

The Power of Simplicity: Despite being a global superstar, Sawe keeps his life and nutrition simple, such as eating simple meals like bread and honey before races, proving that basic, effective habits can support elite performance.

Run Clean and Promote Integrity: Sawe strongly advocates for anti-doping, urging increased testing to ensure a fair playing field and to prove that success can be achieved clean.

Belief and Preparation: Sawe's mantra, "I didn't believe, but I was well prepared," (not quite sure what that means but it apparently works for him) shows that intensive preparation builds the confidence needed to break barriers.

Stay Humble and Positive: His coach describes him as having positive energy and being exceptionally humble, demonstrating that kindness and humility can accompany top-tier talent.

And what can elite runners learn from average runners? First of all, that there's more of us than there are of them. Secondly, we all put on our shoes one foot at a time so humility fits us all well. And lastly, every mile, whether it’s slow or fast, is a gift to be treasured and celebrated. 

So, let us be thankful for every finish line friends. Whether we come in first, somewhere in the middle, or even dead last, we are all blessed to run. And for that, we should celebrate like the elites do with signature dances, huge smiles, fancy hand signals, and eating our favorite post race food. 

On that note, if you had running success over the weekend (however you define success) won't you tell us about it in the comment section so we can celebrate with you? By God's grace, I completed the 50 mile run at Frisco Saturday and went home with an awesome buckle and the award for being old and not dying (aka the Grand Master Female award) out on the course. I'd say that's not too bad for a day of running with amazing friends and treating running like a second job. While it was hard, every mile truly was a blessing and I can't wait for Dogwood Canyon and Bass Pro's Marathon Weekend to do it all over again! Are you signed up? 

 Happy Running!