All My Running Heroes Are Dead

The Empty Pedestal

Recently, Benni and Christian discussed heroes and role models in running on the Trailfunk podcast. It got me thinking.

I don’t have any running heroes. None.

Realizing this felt strangely liberating, but also slightly sad.

(Photo by Manuel Peric)

Of course, there are athletes whose achievements impress me greatly. I’ve seen feats on the track, trails, and roads that leave me in deep awe. But despite all of that, I don’t want to be any of them. I don’t aspire to follow in their ...