Recognizing the universality of running

It was a crisp, clear Saturday morning in Minneapolis, Minnesota and an excellent day for a walk by the lake with Candace and my mother-in-law. We had made the road trip up from Omaha on Thursday for a conference of Candace’s and we planned to spend Saturday exploring together.

As we made our way towards the lake, I was excited to have the opportunity to soak up the new scenery and experience what that community is all about. I always enjoy watching runners in other areas of country, and the world getting out there and doing their thing. It’s inspiring and energizing.

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As we started along on our walk, I immediately took notice of the runners on the path: some passing us by, others ahead, some behind us and others across the lake and barely within sight. The runners were of all shapes and sizes, colours and characteristics. I knew I was going to enjoy spending time in this environment. I didn’t expect to be thrust into deep thought about the beauty of the universal nature of running. During our scenic walk, and subsequent drive home the following day, I kept wondering what it is exactly about running that makes it so very appealing to so many people across the globe and across the ages.

I’ve come to land on the idea that it has to do with making connections. I believe running connects us to three parts of life that all human beings innately desire.

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Connection with nature: As we made our way along the path, circling the lake, I noticed a runner off in the distance across the water. I could barely make out the figure but I did take in the picturesque scene of natural surrounding beauty. It struck me that this runner was seemingly intertwined with nature and that reminded me of the connection between runner and the great outdoors. This connection with nature is something I believe we all long for and in some cases, often for those with office jobs that keep them indoors, it’s something that can be outright craved.

Connection with others: It doesn’t seem to matter where I go, to which city, town, or country, there’s a always a connection between runners that often transcends, race, gender, socio-economic status, and sexuality. There’s an immediate acceptance of one another based on a common understanding– our collective love of running. The communities we enter into as runners are unique places we can explore ideas together and build lasting friendships. The support, understanding, compassion and like-mindedness offered between runners a unique gift that brings us into community with one another with ease.

Connection with self: We often hear running being described as meditative. That’s something I know I’ve experienced firsthand and continue to experience every day. There’s so much coming at us in this high-tech world of non-stop communication and demands that it seems inevitable for one to need an escape from all the noise. Running provides moments of quiet solitude and the opportunity to connect with our body and our mind. It’s a time to slow down, even if moving fast, it’s a time to sort through the clutter of the mind and release the tensions of the body. The desire for moments to connect with one’s self surely drives runners of all levels and abilities.