On January 25th, we celebrated the birthday of one of my favorite athletic figures, Steve Prefontaine. He was one of the most captivating individuals who held a series of records in Track and Field. To me, he displays the attitude and championship mindset that transcends the sport. Whenever I am in need of some motivation, I think of his quote, “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”.
I have this quote by my bed and I read it a few times a week. Each time I read it, I draw a new source of inspiration from it. A good quote can apply to multiple areas of your life. January 25th is also a special day because it is my older son Samuel’s birthday. When I read the quote with him in mind, I turn it into a birthday wish. For all young people starting out in the world, I hope that you can emulate the same degree of internal motivation and drive as Steve Prefontaine. If you can find a sport, activity, or occupation that produces joy and exhilaration (internally motivating), you will have a life with meaning and benefit greatly from it. Below I have listed some more quotes from Steve Prefontaine. I would love to know which one inspires you?
You have to wonder at times what you’re doing out there. Over the years, I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” –Steve Prefontaine
“Some people create with words, or with music, or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, “I’ve never seen anyone run like that before.” It’s more than just a race, it’s a style. It’s doing something better than anyone else. It’s being creative.” –Steve Prefontaine
“A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more. Nobody is going to win a 5,000 meter race after running an easy 2 miles. Not with me. If I lose forcing the pace all the way, well, at least I can live with myself.” –Steve Prefontaine
If you are looking to read more about his life and accolades, I have referenced the article for you to read (click here or on image). I would also urge you to watch the movie titled, Prefontaine. I hope you draw as much inspiration and motivation as I have from Steve Prefontaine. Go Pre- !!
