Grind then Succeed

29 Dec

Words by Izzy Thornton-Bott  |  Photos by Natalie Wong

It has been a breakthrough year for Izzy Thornton-Bott. Her long list of achievements in the US and the Australian Mile Champion title is just the tip of the iceberg compared to the years of hard work, sweat, tears and persistence. Coming back home to Australia this holiday, I joined her for her morning jog as she reflects on her experiences and her love for this sport.

Sometimes winning isn’t crossing the line first, sometimes it’s getting to the start line.

There is something magical about the mile.

Whether it’s because as a middle-distance runner I recognise the profound history, impact, and significance the distance holds in the athletic world. Or because it’s one of the true MD distances not raced in competition as often as it used to, making every time a chance to compete in it unique. Maybe it’s because I do so many repeats of it at training now it’s become a second nature, or it might be because I just love to run on a track regardless of what distance it is.

When it comes to national titles, I am now a proud owner of one in this special distance.

When Natalie approached me about this and gave me the creative license to write a few words alongside her work I really struggled with what to say. I could talk about my move to Oregon and the NCAA, my running career that just hit its 20-year anniversary, the trials, and tribulations of what this sport has bought me. That’s all been said before. Interesting for sure, but also repetitive to a degree. So, if I may, there’s a lot out there on what athletes have done. But I wonder peoples why.

Why do you run?

It’s a question I ask nearly every runner I know. Why do you run? What’s your favourite type of running? Why is it your favourite? There’s a beauty in it that people can answer in as short or long terms as they wish. It can ignite a spark in the eyes of someone as some leap on the opportunity to tell me more about this part of them that’s connected us. It can be a sentence or two that takes you by surprise. Some pause. Others don’t. Either way, it’s a great exercise and conversation starter and I’ve been surprised more times than I thought I would be. I would encourage people reading this to have a go themselves if they feel inclined.

I run because it’s fun, and because I love it as a whole. The team, the camaraderie, the travel, the people, the energy and the atmosphere of a track or cross-country meet to me is unmatched. If I’m not running, I can usually be found at an event spectating, volunteering, photographing, or filling in whatever role is needed on the day.

I run because I’m good at it. Maybe not the best, but I can run well at least most of the time. And if I don’t run my fastest you can be well assured that I ran my best on that day. I run because it’s an inextricable part of who I am. It really doesn’t matter what distance or type – I love running regardless of if it’s interval-based, tempo, easy or long.

I run because it’s simple. I struggle to follow a lot of other sports because while track can get technical, at the end of the day it’s you vs the track or the road or yourself. It’s very pure in that capacity.

I run for my family. Who have given so much for me to do what I do, and who have always known me for my inability to sit still or walk slowly. I run because one day I won’t be able to, at least not in the way I do right now. I run because it’s my goal to compete in the Olympics. I run because it gives me a sense of freedom I haven’t found in any other activity.

The Albie Thomas Mile

Athletics NSW wrote a wonderful caption after this year’s edition of the Albie Thomas Mile “grind then succeed” and I feel as though that’s described at least my 2022 perfectly. It would be remiss of me to not acknowledge how hard yet rewarding this year has been for me. Having opened up with my first run on January 4th after a significant stress fracture, qualifying for and coming third at Indoor NCAAs in the DMR in March, qualifying for NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 1500m in June; becoming an All-American in the NCAA Cross-Country Championships in November to closing with the win at Albie on December 3rd, it’s been a wild ride to say the least with so much joy, blood, sweat, and tears. It’s been as challenging as it has been successful.

I sincerely hope that there was someone either out there at the Crest or watching the Albie stream earlier this month that was able to watch and see a case where showing up and giving it your best shot worked out.

That being said, I have a huge amount to learn. I have a huge amount I have learnt. I have wisdom to pass on, I have made mistakes. I have experienced flukes and lucky breaks. I’ve had my soul absolutely crushed what felt like beyond repair. I’ve had the joy of the highs that come with this sport. I’ve worked hard to be where I am today and that’s not going to stop anytime soon.

I think that if there’s anybody reading this, who’s like me and lucky enough to have found the thing that fuels you and gives you every sense of purpose, then you owe it to yourself to give yourself every chance you can to do well at it.

“Sometimes winning isn’t crossing the line first, sometimes it’s getting to the start line. So, whatever you do, give yourself the best opportunity you can to get yourself to a place where you have come out the winner by your own standards and also been able to learn something meaningful at the same time. ”

— Izzy TB