Regular readers of this blog know that I'm compiling my top ten reasons for running, one per week for ten weeks... boring, yes, but it gives me something to think about on those long solo runs. Reason number three has to do with the people with whom I choose to spend my recreation time, that'd be my running and cycling buddies. Several years ago I was on my third Habitat For Humanity Cycle of Hope. The Cycle of Hope rides are two week, thousand mile bike rides through the back roads of USA. Living in tight quarters (i.e. sleeping in church basements, school gymnasiums, once even in a brand new hospital not yet open to the public -they put us on the psyche ward... I kid you not!) you tend to get to know each other very well. At the start of the Denver ride we took turns introducing ourselves to the group of 50 riders and 12 support staff. I remember one rider standing up and saying something to the effect of "I'm here because I can't imagine anything finer than to hang out with a group of winners for two weeks." Some of us heard "whiners" which isn't too far from the truth, so good laughs were had by all. The point is, at least to a certain extent, we are defined by the people with whom we associate. We can hang with winners, hang with people who exude positive energy and supportive energy or not. By in large, it's choice. I can honestly say I've never met a runner I haven't liked; regardless of their size, shape, or speed, they are good people with goals, dreams, and aspirations... winners. Runners are focussed, driven, and measure achievement not by the number of finish lines they cross, but in the journey. I like to run because it provides me the opportunity to hang out with winners, plain and simple.
The picture above shows myself and Diane at the completion of our first "Century Day" (100 miles in one day)... I never thought I could do it, but since this initial achievement, I have accomplished several Century Days.... it's the cycling equivalent to a marathon and could not have been achieved without the help of the winners with whom I ride.
Ted's Word of the Day: Viscous: adjective; having thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid; having a high viscosity; e.g. Scott's breakfast had a viscous appeal. ;>) M
2 comments:
Good reason! I really haven't thought about this before, but you're right. Runners are winners. No matter what time you cross the finish line, you're out there experiencing the race and not sitting on the sidelines watching. The people I exercise with are some of my best friends. It's who we spend our time with, share our thoughts with on those long miles, and share our success and sometimes failures with. I'm loving your top 10 reasons! And I love Johnny Cash and run to him quite often. There's a definite beat there! Have another great week!
You're right Mike, everyone that I have run with seems to be level headed and have the same goal, which is to finish what they have started. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to make it to the finish line. Those people are winners....
Post a Comment