Up until November, I really didn’t run with anyone. Sure, once in awhile I would run with my Dad if we happened to be in the same place at the same time. For a month or so I ran with a buddy of mine in the mornings. But, for the most part I ran alone. I liked it. I preferred it. I’m always around people. When I’m at home, I’m with my family…I love that time…wouldn’t trade it for the world. When I’m at work, I’m supervising staff and meeting with residents and dealing with contractors…always interacting with others. Running is a way to get by myself, turn up some music, talk with God, and escape the noise that fills up my life. I’ve also always been a little bit afraid of running with other people. What if they’re too fast? What if I slow them down? What if they slow me down? What if I get hurt and have to stop? What if I have to go to the bathroom? What if we run out of things to talk about? For all of these reasons, I preferred to run alone…until November.
When we started training together as the 2012 Road Warrior Team, I had no idea how amazing it would be to run with other people. I didn’t know anyone on the team, but oddly enough I know people who know at least five of them as well as Coach Mike. Small world…or maybe just a small city…it doesn’t matter…that’s not my point. My point is that when I started training with the team, I started to enjoy running with people. Of course, running around a track is pretty easy…you can still go at your own pace and not have to worry about losing anyone or slowing anyone down.
This past Saturday, however, I put in a 12-miler with fellow Road Warrior, Zack. 12 miles is a pretty long run. It’s the longest I had done since October when I ran the Chicago Marathon. I wasn’t sure what pace Zack wanted to run…and all of those questions came to my head. Would I slow him down? Would he slow me down? At the end of the run, we were both feeling pretty good, and we pushed a little harder the last mile or two. I know I didn’t slow him down, and I know he didn’t slow me down. I think we found that balance of running comfortably and pushing ourselves. And, as an added bonus, we didn’t run out of things to talk about.
I guess what I’m saying here is that even though running has typically been a time for me to escape from reality for awhile, I now see the value in running and training with others. I’ll still do a lot of running on my own…especially since the majority of my runs happen at 5am (there aren’t many people who will get up that early). But, when I can, you can bet I’ll be hitting the streets with people. I encourage you to do the same…find a running partner…find a running group, and get out there!
Don’t forget, I’m running for Hope…Hope Network that is…click here to donate to this amazing organization, and partner with me in encouraging, equipping, and empowering individuals with disabilities or disadvantages to reach their greatest independence.