The Competitive Edge

As I have mentioned before, I have a bit of a competitive streak. Sometimes this is a good thing, it's one of the things that got me running. It can help me at work, in my desire to be the best at what I do. When I saw a FB quiz about how controlling--in an OCD way-- one is and my husband's cousin was 48%, my thought was "I can beat that!" (I did, coming in at a cool 62%. One friend said that was because the rest of the time I'm asleep)
But, sometimes, the edge is too sharp and cuts you, and those around you. I had a client that ran, and as I was just starting, this person's (lets call the person Pat) 20+ mile runs were amazing to me. Pat was ex medical personnel who had run the Boston Marathon 23 times. The goal was 25 years in a row with completion.
Unfortunately, Pat's 24th  marathon was in 2013, when the bombs at the finish line shattered our world. Knowing our client was running, my co-workers and I anxiously waited for Pat to come in. As retired medical, one could safely assume that Pat would have helped with the injured during the tragic mess. However, when we finally saw Pat, the biggest concern Pat evinced was the inability to finish the race. They did hand out medals for all that ran, but, in Pat's mind, the race was incomplete. Pat would never be able to claim 25 straight marathons.  We were shocked at the attitude after such a calamity, and unfortunately, our respect for Pat  was greatly diminished. I saw Pat running recently, and it looked painful in the extreme, there was obviously issues with Pat's feet. But, Pat ran and so Pat continued running.
While goals are great, and competitiveness can help you soar to new heights, I want to remember Pat. I have already mentioned that if  I walk I don't consider it a full run. I can't stop, or, like Pat, it can't be claimed, like when I saw an old friend in the middle of my first 6m run, and I didn't stop to talk, just waved and continued.  I tend to be goal and time oriented. But I don't  want to be a person who let my goals get in the way of helping someone who needs it. I don't want to continue to run after all enjoyment is gone, simply for a goal. I run to add to my life, not detract. Sometimes, I think we all need to remember that.