.But – I’m not a competitor to be taken lightly. So consider yourself warned. The gauntlet is thrown down. That heavy breathing you hear behind you could be me. Those pounding footsteps could be mine. And if they are, you’re in for the race of your life. Unless I’m in the Firebird

of the race. But he didn’t. Today was his day to find out what time he was capable of running. So he didn’t even think about letting up. By mile two, the indiscretion of his early strategy was starting to show. His stride became more determined, his breathing

of the race. But he didn’t. Today was his day to find out what time he was capable of running. So he didn’t even think about letting up. By mile two, the indiscretion of his early strategy was starting to show. His stride became more determined, his breathing

.But – I’m not a competitor to be taken lightly. So consider yourself warned. The gauntlet is thrown down. That heavy breathing you hear behind you could be me. Those pounding footsteps could be mine. And if they are, you’re in for the race of your life. Unless I’m in the Firebird

begged me to stop. My heart rate was off the chart. I’m pretty sure I was screaming, although I’m not sure how I found the breath. I remember fumbling with the interval timer on my watch.What to do? Keep climbing? I could see blue sky ahead, giving me

the gratitude in our faces. I hope they know we appreciate them even when we’re too dazed to show it, too out of breath to speak.Most of all I hope they feel the way I did when I handed over that bottle of water: secure in the knowledge that they’re making a

minute of every run. I’m keenly aware that my destiny lies in every step.The only tension in my running is a commitment to remain in the present. I hear every foot strike, I feel every breath and I live for the rhythm of my heart beating in my chest. I

barely breathe. But I did out-kick her at the end!From that inauspicious beginning, my running career advanced steadily, and my finishing position moved closer and closer to the winner’s. I wasn’t always last. But even then, the person who was last could

This section is adapted from No Need For Speed - A Beginner's Guide To The Joy Of Running, by John Bingham. Buy this book!Many adult-onset athletes believe that living an active lifestyle would be easier if they could trade the body they have