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I ran the last race for the year yesterday morning. I have been helping out with the Learn to Run program at the Oakville Running Room for the last couple of programs. Yesterday was the target race for the current group. Out of the 50 or so that originally signed up, 8 actually ran the race. I ran most of the race with Christopher, an 8 year old runner. His mother was concerned that his asthma would be a problem, but it wasn't. I had to keep asking him to slow down so that he would have the endurance to finish the race. We did, at 32:08. That's a personal best for Christopher, and about average for me. We crossed the finish line together, running flat out, with our hands held high.
During the last stretch, I suddenly realised that I was comfortable, I felt great, and that I had a great big silly grin on my face. I have always claimed that I like the results of running, but not the process. Perhaps I'm enjoying the process as well? I haven't felt this good in years, my weight is down to almost where I want it, there's still a bit extra around the middle but it's much less than it was, and the best part; I've met many fascinating people.
I have repeatedly watched beginners, people who have never run, struggling with the first few sessions. For example Kirstin, Christopher's mother, started in the current group in October. When we were doing 2-and-1s (2 minutes running, 1 minute walk break, repeat 6 times) she said "This is hard. I can't imagine doing 5-and-1s". Yesterday she did 3 10-and-1s, and finished the race right behind Christopher and me. I am sure that same dedication will help her grow her business to an ever higher level than where she has it now.
I have concluded that running is almost entirely mental, not physical. I imagine the same is true for anything that requires we get off the couch and actually do something, even when we don't want to, even when our friends think we're crazy, even when any rational cost/benefit analysis says to stay home. There are factors beyond the commonly-accepted ones, intangibles that make life exciting and rewarding. I am reminded of this when I run, when I learn something new, and every time I look at the quotation in my office... "When it is time to die, let us not discover that we have never lived."
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