Competitor- time trialer or racer?

What kind of runner or racer lies within? For some it is the win or beating an age group rival that provides the necessary motivation. For others it is the perfect race, hitting a goal time or completing a distance. These are the things that motivate us daily and on race day. For me it was always about having the perfect race. I could turn myself inside out for a good time or having a great race. This also resulted in a lot of DNF's in my career. I could gladly stop if things were not going well and race another day. I had some great runs but, some disasters too. As an older athlete I am more cautious, willing to let the race or training session unfold rather than pushing every moment and hoping for something great to happen. It seems than runners in my era were willing to push themselves hard for a 26 min 8K that ended in 12th or 25th place. The median time for marathoners is about 4.5 hours these days. People tell their stories of beating cutoffs and such. It is better not to waste a race on that. Wait until you can hammer and then get out there. Maybe your inner athlete can guide your choices but, put out 100 percent whatever choice you make. It will make you strong and swift. Maybe just in our minds...