Why I love running.
Today was the Red Bird Run & because I'm a giant dork, I volunteered instead of running. I was afraid I'd hurt myself for the half next weekend. Now, I've never hurt myself running a 5k before...but why take chances? So I volunteered to work the chute...making sure people stayed in order & kept moving...making sure that there wasn't the Turkey Day 5k fiasco of 2012. Since we had a fraction of the runners, it wasn't even an issue.
But that's just the back story. This is the story.
The mother of one of my 7th grade XC kids has recently started running. Inspired by her child, who worked so hard during XC to do something that was not easy for her. I've been following her progress on facebook, So I knew how much she had put into this. She was so nervous to run today for many reason...all of which I think everyone in the running community can relate to. It was her very first race EVER. She had never run 3 whole miles before. She didn't want to embarrass herself. She didn't want to FAIL! Haven't we all been there? Whether your first 5k, your first half...my second half {kinda scared I'll fail}...Mike's first FULL...{Rather freaked out for him!} We have ALL felt that feeling. What if I'm not good enough? What if it's too hot? What if it's too cold? What if I get sick? What if I get hurt? What if I just can't do it?
When she crossed the finish line she was tired, sore & elated! She RAN the WHOLE way. The PRIDE that she had in herself, the confidence in her ABILITIES, the JOY in accomplishing something once thought impossible, all something worth celebrating. Human strength at it's best.
That is why I love running.
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