How Tough Are You?  Maximizing your potential by developing
toughness  November 1, 2002  Who is the toughest runner you have
ever seen? How could you tell? It is hard to judge toughness in
runners because talent and training contribute to race results
as much as mental and physical toughness. Undoubtedly, though,
some runners are tougher than others. The toughest runners
simply will not be dropped in a race and can conjure up a
finishing kick even when they look like they are barely hanging
on.  What makes these runners special? Does their ability to
endure derive from physical toughness or mental toughness? In
running, the two are inseparable. No runner can be successful
without displaying mental toughness and a physical capacity for
hard work. In fact, mental toughness is a prerequisite for the
ability to train hard enough and consistently enough to develop
the physiological characteristics that allow you to run
intensely for long distances.  Mental toughness will never allow
you to run beyond your level of