I 'RAN' Because I 'CAN'

More than five years ago, though less than ten years ago, a running group invited me to join them for a special event. That is, special in that it was a bit of a trip to get to the event...& we typically always ran events locally, which is how we'd all met one another in the first place. Alas, we drove the distance, which took a few hours, to get to this event, which happened to have a few distance options. We could either run a 5K or a 15K distance. At this point I'd run longer than a 5K, though not a 15K.

I figured that, since I'd decided to participate in this unique event, & travel the extra distance to get to it, I might as well run my very first 15K. A few of the other runners from our same group had also registered for the 15K, which I'd felt was exciting & "together" of us, though we'd all be running the course at our individual paces regardless. We discussed some of this en route to the event & a few people mentioned maybe deciding to switch & run the 5K instead, despite having registered for the 15K, which race officials okayed.

I'd left me a bit bummed, though I still had a fire within me; I was really excited & truly pumped. And I was simply at the 15K starting line. This was gonna be good. 😀 The gun went off for my heat & I began my excited pace.

The additional 10K gave me plenty of additional time to consider my run & other things too. I suppose, also, because some of our group had elected to swap out their 15K entry for a 5K entry at the start line, I did find myself pondering about this for a good sized segment of the run.

I knew I wanted the achievement, & I knew that I could handle the additional 10K; I was trained both mentally & physically. For some reason I found myself considering the flip side of the scenario. The "I CAN" side.

I found myself considering how many people I knew who couldn't be doing what I was, pounding that pavement. I practically found myself picturing each of them; handicaps (such as this) & illnesses (such as this) alike. I realized the biggest reason why I was out there running like that was because I simply COULD BE...& I was thrilled that because I COULD be running that distance, I WAS...for all of those who weren't there because they couldn't be.

The capability of running is a gift, technique & all. It's a mighty gift to be embraced, enjoyed, & used...just like, well, any gift one receives.

I remember this running day fondly, & I remember well that feeling of great achievement. These are the feelings, as well as the memories, which should never be forgotten. They give purpose & appreciation for the accomplishment; they help remind us of the greatness with which we've been tasked.


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