I’m going to work it out so it’s a pure guts race at the end, if it is, I’m the only one who can win.

— Steve Prefontaine.

Steve Prefontaine, referred to as “Pre”, was one of the greatest American runners of all time and is quoted by thousands of athletes around the world for his grit and determination while racing. Before leaving college, Pre had broken every American record, in track and field, from 2,000m to 10,000m. Unfortunately, on May 30, 1975, Steve Prefontaine died in a car crash at the age of 24, leaving the whole world of running in shock at the loss of one of the greatest to ever compete. Although he died sooner than anyone would expect, he left behind a legacy that would last through today, encouraging numerous generations of runners and athletes in general to strive to be their best.

Prefontaine has left his mark with his times, but also through his words. How he expressed the importance of how to run races inspired people in his time and still does today. Pre was quoted once saying, “I’m going to work it out so it’s a pure guts race at the end, If it is, I’m the only one who can win.” This quote gives great insight into how much of himself he gave in every race. This quote is very simple and straightforward because of the confidence he had in himself in his racing abilities. As a runner myself, I perceive this as concrete because I’ve thought about this quote while running and now how it feels to “gut out” a race. While running, someone might believe they are going as fast as they can, but running with “guts”, brings out another gear in someone’s speed and is all a mental game and whether you want it bad enough. Pre’s thought process towards winning was that he was born to win, and not winning would be tragic to his very existence. Since I can visualize what Pre is saying through my own experiences, it evokes a lot of emotion dealing with my competitiveness. His drive makes me, as the reader, want to work as hard at whatever I’m doing, regardless of the race that’s ahead of me; whether it’s running, cleaning the house, or school work, I give my best with the same mentality as I do while racing.

Although running is a huge part of me now, I definitely have not always had a passion for the sport. I felt pressured to run and did not think that it was very fun and it showed. As I grew older I started appreciating the sport more and realized that God had given me a gift to run. I truly believe that. Pre was quoted saying, “to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” I’m not sure if Pre was referring to God’s gifts in this moment, but I perceive it as such. I give my all in every facet of running because I know that God has given me the gift to do so, and not using it, would be a waste of what God gave me. The emotion brought out by this quote can reach all people because every everyone takes advantage of what they were given; athlete or not. This makes me want to give my all in whatever I do. Giving up in a race is not an option for me because I feel God’s strength when I’m running and that is a way I praise him; by using the gift he has given me. Pre gives his all in his races and should inspire others to do the same, regardless of what gift they were given. Steve Prefontaine’s legacy in running is revered all across the world and continues to make all athletes stronger and want to strive to do their best.