Hard Work Vs. Talent In Distance Running
Hard Work vs. Talent in distance running
Intro:
In a sport like distance running, fitness is king over anything else—at least that's what it looks like from a broad perspective. It seems that only those with talent can make a true impact in the sport, as those without it just wither away. The only way those without the talent can even have a moment in the spotlight is through a relentless work ethic. But, at the end of the day, how much of an impact does all that hard work have on the bigger picture of distance running?
What even is talent?
Talent, defined as one’s natural ability, could be someone’s inborn skills, determination, and emotions toward a certain craft. It’s stereotypically thought of as one’s physical capabilities, and in the eyes of distance running, it’s simply how fast a runner can run a certain distance. If they run relatively fast with limited to no training, that person is physically talented at distance running. This physical advantage is locked behind genes, which could include being born with longer legs, having more slow-twitch muscles, etc. These advantages are considered unfair as there is seemingly nothing one can do to match these physical gifts.
What is hard work?
Hard work focuses more on the mental side of things, where one is relentlessly chasing a certain goal. This is linked to an individual's determination, persistence, and a strong mind. Even when one loses or makes mistakes, one always finds a way to learn from that mistake and grow stronger. Mental tenacity is not an ability that is just innate within everyone; if it were, then everyone would have the drive to put in any amount of effort and overcome any challenges to become the best distance runner.
Connection between the two
Though hard work and talent seem to be opposites, they are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Those seemingly born with no physical talent but a never-ending mindset to become the best are talents. Just because hard work isn’t physical doesn’t make it a talent. The number of people with an endless drive not just to put in a huge amount of effort, but also being able to grow and overcome any obstacle is far and few between. For one to become the best at distance running it’s unheard of for someone to not possess a high level of physical, and mental talent. That’s why the title of the world’s best distance runner is so elusive. One can have all the physical abilities to reach that level, but having the mental strength to keep up is extremely rare.
Conclusion
To go back to the question at hand, hard work, and talent are just two sides of the same coin. Talent doesn’t only just embody physical ability but also one’s mental strength. Hard work is just an extension of one’s talent, and to become the very best at distance running, a runner needs the mental and physical strength to become the best. Hard work is equally important as physical talent, as they work hand in hand to overcome the grueling sport of distance running.
Sources
https://bodyrecomposition.com/training/can-hard-work-beat-talent
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140909140856-15673390-what-does-hard-work-really-mean
https://www.fitstream.com/articles/developing-the-10-physical-skills-for-total-fitnes-a9(1st pic)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kmehta/2021/04/20/three-easy-ways-to-work-hard/(2nd pic)