I was recently given the opportunity to run with and help train my long-time running partner. When we first started running together, we both won races and broke records... I am not that same kid I was all those years ago. I have been in accidents and all the ups and downs in life, such as he has been as well. I have also evolved in my years as an athlete, to not just running; triathlon, river ratting, coaching, volunteering, directing races, a board member... My mind set of competing and also being a star athlete has changed, when I run, I just want to run.
My friend on the other hand has been talking about a world record tour (for age group records), for about three years... Granted, covid happened and the race industry, like all, took a hit affecting many's race plans.
It takes an extreme amount of focus, time, dedication, sacrifice to be on the top of your game in running, triathlon, and life! I have come to the point in my life, for the past 5 years or so, where I really want to focus on the life part, so that in my later years I can maybe see what my older body is capable of. I am also in a point of my life where I don't want to spend all hours trying to kill my self to be in top competition shape, I just want to run, be fit and feel good.
Why I run, why I run with others-
Why I run is to be in that run. Not thinking about all my problems or responsibility, but to be in that run. To feel my body, to feel tight and sore spots, to feel where I am strong in my body. I want to breath while I run and focus on that vital breath for life. I want to feel my breath fueling my run, my muscles, my heart so that I can complete the run with full breath and life. I want to smell the smells of a run. In early morning to smell people cooking breakfast (oh that bacon!) and see them all rustling around in the house, lights coming on and everyone waking up... I want to run in, see and smell nature. The fresh smell of grass cut, or pine, or a creek... I love the smells of nature on my runs. I want to listen to my heart and listen to my running partners breath and steps. There is an overwhelming calm and pure peace is listening to these three things. This is probably the deepest love I have for running is listening to the heart, the breath and steps, because those represent life to the core. Conversation during runs is invaluable. Learning each others strengths and weaknesses and overcoming challenges together. Getting lost or exploring the side trail every now and then. Running in new places. Running with big groups. Running up hills or even mountains and then enjoying the view.
These things are worlds more important than any record or medal or t-shirt! It is unfortunate that not everyone values are the same. This is why I run, Just Run
#LivetothePLUS
