When the simple act of running is enough on its own

I ran into a friend recently who asked me how my running is going. I told her it was going well. This isn’t what I would have said two months ago. When I asked her the same question, her response was less enthusiastic. “Not good,” she said. She finished her last race a little while ago and took a break from training, but her next race is creeping up. She’s starting to get nervous and doesn’t feel ready.

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I told her that I can relate. This has been my pattern for most of the year so far. I race, celebrate when it’s over and take a break, then I start to panic when the next race approaches a few weeks later. But, the commitment to participating in a race each month, has kept me moving.

Two months ago, I was sitting in my manager’s office. I told her that I thought I would have been further along fitness-wise at this point in the year and that I was disappointed in myself. Her mouth was agape. She told me to never say that again because I’ve set a goal and I’ve committed to it. She told me that that is inspiring. In the middle of that conversation, in came my co-worker who had heard a snippet of the conversation. She gave me a hug and kind and supportive words when I needed it most.

That’s the thing with running: when we are too hard on ourselves, we rely on our network of people to pull us through. So I thought I would recognize some of the people who have encouraged and inspired me lately. I think that’s important for a runner to do.

Andrea Lawson and Christine Carbone: Thank-you for your encouragement at the perfect time when I needed it most and helping me realize that I’m far too hard on myself.

Jennifer DiMartino: You inspire me for your drive to commit to races and to make it a priority for yourself. It’s OK if you don’t feel ready for your next race. Neither do I. Go out there and do your best anyways. You are moving and getting fresh air. It’s a win-win situation and you’ve already won when you line up for the start line.

Paul Barnhill: You inspire me because of your passion for self-improvement and your epic goal to participate in the Army Run. .

Paul Cheshire: You inspire me with your weekly Facebook posts about what race you have tackled each weekend and you have taught me that no matter how long it takes to finish a race, always finish. Don’t quit. Keep on keeping on.

Brenda Capko: Thank-you for encouraging my writing. Always.

Jeff Farrelly: Last but not least, my husband. That’s an entire blog post for another day. Thank-you for your unwavering support.

All you need is two feet and a heartbeat. When I see people out there running or walking, I smile. The focus and time carved out for this activity and the personal commitment to their own health and well-being is commendable. It doesn’t matter how fast you run, or how much you walk during your run. It’s the fact that you are out there doing it. You are physically able to do it when so many people aren’t. That’s a blessing to celebrate in itself.

So those weekend warriors and race runners out there, you’re doing it and that is enough. So now when someone asks me how my running is going, I will say ‘Good!’ and then I will tell them what my definition of ‘good’ means. Maybe that will inspire someone. We all need tp be supported, encouraged and inspired. We are not alone, after all.