A confession: I am a long-distance runner. What started many years ago as a purely physical activity has now become a way of life with many personal and Professional ramifications. Running alone over many miles has provided a time to reflect, to see new sights in new locales, and to observe new things in familiar locales, as well as to plan experiments and papers. Running with others has provided an opportunity for detailed discussion on issues ranging from medical politics to science, philosophy, or for just plain casual talk, all interrupted only by the breathlessness associated with cresting the occasionally encountered hill. The more metaphysical aspects of running were defined by the late Dr. George Sheehan, practicing cardiologist, author, lecturer, medical editor of Runners World, elite runner, and guru of the running world. He championed the poetry of running and the many philosophical implications derived from the running experience. Anyone committed to the experience can learn much, far beyond the best brand of running shoes, stretching exercises, or training regimens. What are some of the lessons derived and can these lessons be related to nuclear cardiology? It is left for the readership to make any appropriate extrapolations for individual professional and personal venues.
A first lesson learned early by any runner is that negative thinking itself impacts on performance. This is certainly not a new concept, but is one that is worth emphasizing. Anyone completing a 26.2-mile marathon knows that the success of a long-distance event is governed as much by the cerebral, emotional, and psychological as it is by musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary function. The mind must convince the body to continue when it would far prefer to stop and concede. Consider as well an historical example. In May 1954 the now eminent English neurologist, Roger Bannister, was the first to achieve what was considered in track circles to be unthinkable: running a mile in under 4 minutes. Until that spring day, this was believed to be a feat beyond human achievement. However, suddenly within the following 12 months