These are the thoughts that inspire ever-increasing paces for ever-increasing distances at ever-earlier hours of the morning. Perhaps some day they will inspire a book, when they are more fleshed out.
Every run has a purpose. There is no room for zombies.
Banish the snooze button. You’ll appreciate the advice in two hours.
Busy streets are not busy at 4:30AM. Get at it.
Fear and frustration lead to the dark side. Embrace it. The dark side is good for runners.
If you are thinking about your pace, increase it. There is plenty of time when you are not thinking about your pace.
Uphills separate the contenders from the pretenders. You’re going to be tired anyway, why not push it.
Downhills are for dreaming. But you better make it quick.
If you have time to stretch, run farther instead. Stretch some other time.
If you feel the need to cross-train, run a different route. That’s all the cross-training you need.
Negative splits are nirvana, but going out too fast teaches you how fast you can go. Sacrifice to learn.
If you’re sick, run harder. Nothing beats out illness like pounding the pavement.
Some days, all directions will be uphill and into the wind. Deal with it.
Snow and ice are an opportunity to practice precise footing. They are not an excuse.
Rest days are luxuries. Learn to hate luxury.
Feel free to download this rendition of The Running Manifesto from Slideshare, or find a .jpg version of The Running Manifesto on Flickr.
Also, there is The Predawn Runner Store on CafePress with shirts, posters, and other products. Pick one up for yourself or as a gift for that passionate runner in your life.
[...] will decline significantly (from an already low-level). This will be the new home of the Running Manifesto and any other rambling diatribes I create. I will not migrate existing posts over, so for [...]