Not too long ago, I wrote that starting in January, I opted to learn how to run a 5K (about 3.1 miles). I have no idea why. Like so many other ideas I have, it fell under the category, "Seemed like a good idea at the time." The thing is that I have NEVER been a runner; never, not by a long shot, not ever. If God wanted us to get somewhere more quickly than by walking, He/She/It wouldn't have created nice comfortable cars, right? (Well, it makes sense to me.)
Humor aside, my 37-year-old physically fit son, who lives in Texas, decided that he wanted to add running to his fitness regimen and I opened my mouth before I engaged my brain, and said I'd join him on this quest. So, since we live 2,000 miles apart, we opted to share our journeys on a learn-to-run app. Of course, I'm 32 years his senior so he has an advantage, yet I remind myself that this is not a competition.
So, there you have it; the saga of how I became a "runner." (I originally said I was a "jogger," but was informed that the term is no longer part of the lexicon.)
I discovered there was a 5K planned for August near where I live, so I set that as my goal and have – short of some respiratory illnesses earlier this year – been consistent, running two to three times a week. The app starts the training process by directing you to run for six one-minute periods, interspersed with an equal number of walking periods. It didn't take long for me to realize that running on the local streets added an element of danger dodging cars - which seemed like it might be counterproductive to my fitness quest - so I changed my venue to the local Hikshari' waterfront trail and now huff and puff my way for what has expanded to longer than the 3.1 miles that technically qualifies as a 5K. I'm not - yet - running it non-stop; instead, the app breaks it into four walking periods and three running periods, each ranging from six to 14 minutes long. (I'm tremendously proud that during the longest running segment, I jog - oops, I mean "run" – almost a mile and a half nonstop.)
These longer running segments are physically and mentally exhausting; and when in the lengthier stretches, it takes every ounce of self-will to keep running, not walk; yet, thinking of my son in Texas, I push myself a few more feet, literally one step at a time.
Anyway, last Friday, I had about four minutes to go (which, while running, feels like an hour). I was tapped out and sore; at the end of my endurance, struggling to keep going. A younger man, appearing like a model for Men's Health magazine (probably in the Coast Guard; definitely an athlete) was running in the opposite direction, coming toward me, easily running at twice my speed (a low bar to cross).
When he saw me and heard my panting, heaving, and gasping (which I'm sure anyone on the miles-long trail could hear), he pumped his left hand in a supportive "power-to-the-old-guy" fist motion as he ran past and shouted reassuringly at me, "Congratulations! You're doing it, man! You got this! Keep going! You'll make it. Don't give up!"
Trying to answer with "thanks," nothing came out because, well, I couldn't breathe. Sounding like a pipe organ with broken bellows, I managed a wheezy grunt of appreciation and returned the raised fist, smiled as well as I could, and kept clunking one foot in front of the other, determined to make it to the end of the trail (or my life, whichever came first).
I have no idea who was this kindhearted, amazingly fit, supportive athletic gentleman, but it's remarkable how such simple inspiration from a stranger kept me going. I mean, I didn't want to disappoint him, you know? We were now doing this together, at least in my dog-tired, weary mind.
So, in the interest of paying it forward whatever is your challenge these days, whether it's dealing with illness, finances, mental health, or learning to run: "Congratulations! You're doing it! You got this! Keep going! You'll make it. Don't give up!"
We're all in this together.
And to the nameless, extremely fit, motivating chap who cheered me on on the Humboldt Bay trail, thank you. You made a difference. I appreciate it more than I can say. See you at the 5K.
About the author: Scott "Q" Marcus coaches individuals and consults with companies on how to implement and handle change. He can be reached at scottq@scottqmarcus.com or his motivational Facebook page: Intentions Affirmations Manifestations
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