Great article. That's what running should be all about. I do think that's what it is about at the local level for many of the local competitive runners, at least I think it is around here. Between the start line and the finish line, nothing is more important to me than beating every guy I can. Everything I can do, within the rules of course, to give myself an upper hand is fair game. I expect the same of the guy next to me. After the race, though, it's all about reflecting on the race, catching up with guys you might not have seen for a while, and talking about when we'll see each other next time.
I love seeing those guys before a race. Sure, I have a moment of "oh great, this isn't going to be easy" but then I remind myself that it's racing, it's not supposed to be easy. If I win, I want to earn that win. If I finish 7th, I want to know that 6 guys beat the absolute best I could give on that day.
That's what racing is all about. Whatever it takes to beat that guy when out on the course. After crossing the finish line, though, we're a bunch of guys with a big common interest. Why shouldn't we be friends?
