Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Does it really matter?

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Does it really matter?

Does it really matter if you come in first? Unless you depend on endurance sports as a money making career and thus willing to sacrifice wearing out your body prematurely, or you are an aspiring Olympic athlete, does it really matter?

In recreational runs where WE pay to compete, the only person who really cares who is first is the one who comes in second and maybe third. After that most just want to test themselves and have fun. Some may want to place in their age category and if not, can be happy if they put forth their best effort.

Kids in school programs do wish to do well and try at least not to be last. The kids who learn that trying your best and enjoy striving to improve, knowing they have done all they are capable of are the happiest.

Recently reading a book I rediscovered in my library reminded me of the true joy of running. Discussing the subject of truly enjoying runs , this quote in the book stood out;

"Quit comparing times and start comparing feelings. Times don't last. Feelings do."

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Why I Run

In reference to my running, I am often asked, "why do you do this?"
After contemplating the question.........................
I run for my Father. my Father who too late in life realized he wasn't invincible. My Father smoked for 40 years and did not always eat well. When he contracted Myastinia Gravis and Diabetes he was forced to change his lifestyle. An illness that doctors thought would take his life in 2 years was held at bay for 10! By eating well and exercising, my Father was able to hang around a little while longer. He knew I was on to something when I began long distance running. On many of my runs I still hear him saying to me "keep it up son, don't ever stop"
I run for my son Matthew, who left us too soon. He was almost 14 yrs old. I run for him because he no longer can. I feel him and talk to him on many of my runs. Before he left he had begun to be aware of his large physique and was trying to stay fit. 4 years earlier I entered him in his first race. He came in last in a field of about 25 kids, but he never stopped trying to run as fast as he could. I will always remember the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line while his name was announced over the loudspeaker. One day I will see him again. Until then I carry him with me on my runs.
I run for my friends and family. Not only those I run with now, but also those I hope to run with in the future. Those I run with with now help me as much or more than I think I help them. Running friends help to motivate me. We share stories, aches, pains,laughter, and encourage and congratulate each other. Those I hope to run with in the future are family and friends who are in need of someone to motivate them. People who know they need exercise but need that little push. I try to help them stop finding excuses and putting up barriers that keep them from walking,running and just plain exercising.
I run for myself. As a child I was always physically active. As a young adult I smoked for 16 years, did not have a healthy diet and sat watching television for hours on end. At age 27 (with a push from my brother Andy) I became active again and began associating with active people. Soon I was playing team sports, and biking, golfing, running. This change in lifestyle helped me to make better nutrition choices for better performance.
The human body is meant to move! A fit body functions better and lasts longer. I don't want to live forever, but as long as I am here I wish to feel my best. Running clears the mind, flushes toxins from the body and allows us to enjoy nature and relate to friends and Family who run with us, in person, or in our hearts.

Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Does it really matter?

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon