I am currently reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall...perhaps I should say I'm slowly reading this book, but nonetheless, I'm reading it. It is about a man who goes on a quest to find a primitive tribe of Native Americans that are super-runners. He wants to find out what makes them such phenomenal endurance athletes and has discovered an herb they make into a drink (chia, yes, just like Chia Pet) that gives them incredible energy. While I was reading last night I wondered to myself if I would ever use some sort of performance enhancing drug/herb to make me a better runner. I have to say that it's enticing, of course I want to be in the 7 minute per mile pack, but the truth of the matter is, I'm not one of those runners. It definitely takes me longer to finish a race at my 9 to 10 minute per mile pace, but that's still pretty good for me. I can also argue the other side and say that we all use performance enhancers when we suck down some Gu or drink Gatorade...I always get a short burst of energy after eating my Clif ShotBloks. So why is the idea of eating a natural herb that comes from the ground any different? I guess I feel like everyone has electrolyte power at their fingertips, but a lot less people know about this wonder-herb, so I'd feel bad giving myself an unfair edge (but at my pace I don't think it'll really help me win a race).
I think my final point is that running long distance is a challenge, that's why I do it. If I made it too easy for myself it wouldn't have the appeal that it has now.
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