Champions share many characteristics, none of which are determined by their talents. Here are some of those characteristics. How many of these statements also describe you and your life?

• A champion has the courage to risk failure, knowing that setbacks are lessons to learn from.
• A champion uses an event to gain greater self-knowledge as well as feedback on physical improvement.
• A champion trains their thought processes as well as their body to produce a total approach to performance.
• A champion understands their athletic weaknesses and trains to strengthen them.
• A champion actively creates a life of balance, moderation and simplicity - values that help improve running and life.
• A champion views competetors as partners who provide challenge and the chance to improve.
• A champion understands performances are like a roller coaster, with many ups and downs, and that you have to accept both the good and the bad.
• A champion enjoys sport for the simple pleasures it provides.
• A champion has vision. A champion dreams of things that haven't been and believes they are possible. A champion says "I can."