ORN Saturday: 18.1 miles, R4/W1, 3:13:18, 10:41/mile
Resting squarely at the intersection of my professional interest in management and my personal interest in running is the blog From Where I Sit by Michael Hyatt. Hyatt is the CEO of a large book publishing company and I’ve come to respect his views and appreciate his transparency. He’s also a runner.
In January, he invited folks in his company to run one of two half marathons on April 26. Nearly 180 signed up and 135 completed the races. He invited their feedback and published Half Marathon 2008 Testimonials last week.
Most of these folks had never run a half before; many had never run a race before. It was a sizable accomplishment, mind-boggling for many. Setting a goal to do something difficult; getting through the inevitable ups and downs of training; having the sense of accomplishment; knowing the support of others in pursuing the goal; all of these and more came through in the comments.
Which was a wonderful reminder to me. Those of us who run distances regularly can forget just how cool it is to actually run 13.1 miles for the first time. And it is wise to never forget it, as we never know when an injury or life-change can take that ability away. It sure hit me yesterday when I set out to do 18, having run a half marathon last week, with another one set for next Saturday. Even crazier was how enjoyable the run was, so much so I was really disappointed when it was over; I could have easily done another five. Dare I take that for granted?? The gift of health is simply too precious to be looked at lightly.
Persevere. At any distance or situation.
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9 comments:
Joe! Yes- persevere! any distance or situation! Sat- I'm doing a triatholon and I see you're doing another half!
Being humble is my life's motto :-) Take nothing for granted...
It's too bad every race can't feel like that first one. Thanks for the reminder.
I agree Joe, especially after having dealt with injury last month. How nice to be able to run unfettered by pain!
A very apt post for me! A long time friend and neighbor ran the Tacoma Half - her first race ever, of any distance. She trained and ran with a group of women from her church - ages 14 to 76. Some did the 10K, some the half. My friend expereinced the wonder of it all, the bonding that takes place through training together, the joy of accomplishment, the wonder of fitness. I could her the excitement still in her voice two days later. That is something we should never take for granted.
Well said and boy do I appreciate that right now.
As is often the case your words really hit home! Thank you.
A beautiful reminder. thanks. Funny, I just ran a half last weekend too!
Jenny
Nice post. As I sit, injured, reading it.
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