I want to start off by saying that I have a lot of respect for Dean Karnazes and what he has done for the sport of Ultra Running. He has helped open peoples eyes to the sport and I thank him for that. Lately I have found that when I give people interviews for magazine articles the same comparison always comes up. People always say that I am very similar to Dean. The truth is, Dean and I are two very different types of people. In life and in running. I want to list a few things below about our differences. I’m not doing this to put Dean down. As I said, Dean and I have talked several times and I respect him for what he has done. I just want people to understand that just because you show up in a magazine or TV interview doesn’t make you like everyone else.
1. I am a 6 ft 200lb man. Dean is a shorter smaller statured guy.
2. I have a full time job as a Navy SEAL and I participate in endurance sports as a “hobby”. From what I know of Dean, he has been able to make a career out of running. His job is to be out there making money for his family and his charity by doing interviews and attempting to break records.
3. We both started running for very different personal reasons. We also continue to run for very different reasons.
4. Dean follows a very strict diet everyday. Me, I try to eat healthy but will ultimately eat everything in front of me.
5. I absolutely with every bone in my body HATE to run, bike , ect. Dean has a passion for it. He loves it.
6. I only have a little longer in this sport before I move on to something else. Dean will probably be running for years to come. For example, my running is done. I am now working on riding my bike across America in June. Once that is accomplished, the bike will go in storage.
The thing that I am trying to point out here is that every person in endurance sports is different. So why compare people. There is nothing to compare. People all do things for there own reasons and one reason is not better than another. You have to find what personally drives you. What drives me is my cause. The Special Operations Warrrior Foundation. When I do an event, and interview, a training ride, I keep the foundation in the front of my mind. It’s not about how fast you are, how many races you have done. It is about why. What is the personal reason that puts you out there everyday. I can guarantee that every single person out there will have a different reason than the other. Every single person has a different build, and different diet, a different family. So don’t compare. There isn’t anything to compare.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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17 comments:
I admit, the comparison has occurred to me as well - though not as a criticism, just as a point of curiosity. It's good to know your stance on the issue.
You brought up something else- you're finished with running ultras? Forever? I've gotta admit - as a fan, I was eager to see your return, and how well you'd do post-surgery. Thanks.
David...thank you for your commitment and dedication beyond yourself. Thank you for what you've inspired me to do in my ultrarunning. Thank you for ending drama before it could really explode.
Thank you SEAL.
david what are you going to do all day if you arent tranning for these events. i cant think of david goggins not running or rideing your bike PS.. if you are really going to store the bike after your race im down to buy it
I don't care for the comparisons myself...as far as I'm concerned, you guys are as different as they come (him more out there, you more internal).
But what's this about you hanging up your running shoes?? Is this because of the heart complications? Or do you feel like you have nothing else to get out of it?
Crazy...can't imagine the sport of ultrarunning without ya.
David Goggins:
As of right now I'm really focused on biking. I'm not saying that I will never run again. I'm just not running right now. I have to accomplish all my goals before I do anything twice. I can't do anything with this RAAM still over my head.
You seem like one hell of a guy. I just found out about you not 10 min ago when someone mentioned your quote "I don't train my body on runs, I train my mind and hope my body can keep up" and decided to look you up.
I've been training up for Selection and beating my body pretty badly, for the first time in my life not only did I not max a PT test but I failed my run!
This has been a huge shot to my ego and an eye opener. I've been training my body for this, now I'm going to start training my mind.
Your an inspiration, haven't had many of those.
david, i was wondering if youll be at the navy seal fitness challange in seattle WA this year
Well said David ! Well said:)
L
David:
Off the subect, but are you related to the powerlifter Steve Goggins? I know you were a powerlifter in the past, yourself.
Good luck in the RAAM. I remember following Lon Haldeman, Michael Shermer and Pete Penseyres from days past.
Mr Goggins, man you are a force. I just happend to pick up an Outside Mag and saw your story. I'm a retired AF Vet, former football star and never think I was in any shape to do what you do. Since I retired I even put on a few. But, you have inspired me! THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE! Continue to be an inspiration. I think you just saved my life!!!!
Great point. It's pointless for people compare themselves with eachother on any aspect of life. This happens way too often in our society and a lot of people fall into this trap which often leads to losing focus and motivation. We all have different skills, talents and abilities. Run your own race, give 100% of yourself, that's all that really matters. Thats why ultra-endurance sports are so great. Its not so much about the place you finish, its more that you finish! (Winning sure is fun though) Take care David and God bless.
David, you have been a true inspiration not only to the sport of ultrarunning, but to a healthy life. I am glad you are not stuck to the sports of ultrarunning or biking but that you are willing to branch out to do other things.
Check out www.movnat.com
David, thank you for your dedicated service to our country. You are such a great role model for me to look up to, I also hate running but do it for the mental challenge. I am also a bigger body type runner who just DNF'd Badwater (your favorite race :-) after leaving the course to be with a close friend who was crewing me, who had a serious heart attack while crewing. At that very moment, I realized that all of this ultra stuff is not all about us and our accomplishments. It's about making decisions to go after a goal and going out there and tackling that challenge. I realize there is a lot more to life than racing, nothing can ever match the value of love from friends and family. Thank you David for being such an inspiration and for understanding what the sport is really about.. I hope you find that inner peace that you are looking for! -Rick C-
The first rule of running: Non-comparison.
We all start at different points, with different abilities, different goals, & different desires.
I gotta wonder how many runners asked you those comparison questions...
not only you're (*&@#(&(&#$100% BADASS, I see that you're a wise gentleman and somewhat a philosopher yourself
Much respect...much respect
You inspire me.
Hey David!!!
Keep training hard,you are a total inspiration. God Bless!!!
PS, I'm in Charlotte, NC and bump into your buddies Charlie Engle and Mike Mason (both have nothing but nice things to say. They always have a smirk on their face though, what's up with that??). Just kidding. Take care!!
Sincerely,
Adrian Stewart
Adrian.Stewart@wellsfargo.com
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