Cocky...

I always loved racing and competing against cocky, trash-talking athletes. It was always like they were trying to compensate for some inadequate ability or something or another. Or maybe they were just so insecure with their own training and racing ability they thought that they needed to resort to silly, childish mind games. Yes, little man, run your mouth! Because I am going to let my feet do my talking, win or lose, fast or slow, come what may, at least it is what it is. More importantly, it is real. It is honest. It is competing with dignity and integrity.

All athletes walk a very fine line between being confident and crossing over to being cocky. A little swagger is beneficial. It lets those whom you are about to go toe to toe with know that you are ready to take on the challenge and bring the heat. However, when one becomes cocky, well, now things start to get interesting. So as I tell my athletes, let 'em talk. Let 'em brag, boast, and carry on like a cackling old hen. When push comes to shove, just rest assure that you have done all that you can and let your feet do your talking. In the end, it doesn't matter who crows the loudest. What matters is that you have done your best and maintained your class, dignity, and reputation. Integrity always trumps cockiness.

So as I swagger out for another day of running, to all those who tend to talk trash, just remember, there are some very confident, quiet, hard training athletes who have placed a target on your back and are taking aim.