Patience.
We live in a society that places a great deal of value on instant gratification. Running, however, is not the type of sport that rewards the instant gratification mindset. The Runner must have patience. You cannot become a good runner overnight. You become a good runner through the hours you put in pounding the pavement and running the roads.
Humility.
Except for a very select few, there will always be someone who can run faster than you. And even for the select few who are able to enjoy the title of fastest, no one remains the fastest forever. So, the Runner must have humility. The Runner must acknowledge that there will almost always be someone faster than him. When The Runner wins, he remembers that next time he may be the “loser” and he treats his opponent with grace as he would want to be treated if he were the one defeated.
Courage.
There are times when running is painful. The Runner has courage — to face the physical pain of running, and to face his mental demons.
Determination.
The Runner does not give up. If The Runner suffers a setback, he will be back out there tomorrow trying again.
Intelligence.
Running is a fairly simple sport — nearly anyone can run. Indeed, human beings are wired to run. There is much evidence to suggest we involved to be a distance running machine. That said, The Runner must be intelligent. He must sift through empirical data, and the suggestions of others, to find what works best for him.
Prudence.
Related to intelligence is prudence. The Runner must be prudent. The Runner must know when to push his body, and when to back off to live and run another day. The line between being prudent and being rash is very fine in running. The Runner through his experiences learns this invaluable quality and skill.
Balance.
The Runner knows that there is more to the world than just running. The Runner successfully balances his training with his life.
Industriousness.
The Runner works hard. The Runner sets goals, and then works hard to achieve those goals.
Dutifulness.
The Runner knows and acknowledges that there will be days when he does not feel like rolling out of his warm bed to run in a cold rain. The Runner will occasionally allow himself a day off, perhaps, here and there. Yet, he remains focus on his task. The Runner is dutiful. The Runner does not slack. When the weather is bad, The Runner runs anyway. The Runner is not a fair weather creature.
Generosity.
The Runner is generous. He offers advice to new runners, encourages those around him, and tries to give back to his sport in any way he can.
