Running is a Team Sport That We Do Alone

No, the Body Glide that I lathered all over my body during my 12 miler today is not going to my head.  I am not all "blogged" out and have nothing left to say but nonsense.  I am not losing my mind because I didn't eat enough carbs post run and no I did not forget to "gu up" during my run leaving me delirious.  I am simply stating the facts about a sport, a therapy, an exercise that is so unique and different that only those that partake can relate, but ALL that partake can relate.  If you have gotten past that initial fear and that initial thought of "I am not a runner," than you will definitely understand what is written below.  If you have not gotten past this and you continue to tell yourself "I can't run," than I dare you to read on and try this amazing and beautiful art.

When we run, we are alone.  We are in our own head.  We cannot pass the batton, we cannot take a break on the sidelines and we cannot tap out.  Running, as a sport, is all up to the individual.  Although running is something that we do alone we are NEVER alone when we run.  When you are running and that runner comes up behind you and passes you, you have just entered a race my friend.  What do you do next?  You say to yourself, "oh heck no," or maybe you say something else and all of a sudden you pick up your pace and try to pass them.  When you are running and you see that runner 10 steps ahead, and they have been ahead of you for more than a mile now, what do you do?  You try as hard as you possibly can to pass them.  Why?  Because you're racing them.  They might not have any idea, they will once you pass them, but they are unaware of the sneak attack that you have planned out in your head, once they know what's going on, they will race you too.

When you have reached mile 10 and you have just 2 miles left and you think to yourself, "self, why do you choose to run 12 miles?  Can't you just drink less wine next ime?  Do you really need that bag of popcorn right before bed?  I don't think these 12 miles are necessary...I mean I'm never doing this again."  Then you see that runner approaching from the opposite direction and they give you that infamous runner's nod and you you say to yourself, "self, you can do this.  You totally have this.  I don't want to give up my wine and I love popcorn."  Next thing you know your jet engine pack has been ignited and you are off and running like you're Forest Gump.

When you leave for your daily run and you have your running partner right next to you....you begin and you are chatty kathy's...you're complimenting her on her amazing new "do" and she is telling you all about her work drama...then 2 miles in....silence.  You are running alone, but not really.  Ex Chatty Kathy is right next to you, she's on your team, she's your wing man...you are totally not alone.  You will remain quiet and in your head and with your own music for the next 5 miles, but you are definitely right there with her and she right there with you.

Running - it's this amazing art of feeling alone and a part of something huge all at the same time.

Happy Running Kathy!

- Coach Timmie