How I Got Started in Running and Why I Sill RunLike so many, I discovered the benefits of running by accident. It was in 1973, during my 5th grade physical education (PE) class with Mr. Gayner Goth (yes, I still remember his name) who used to make us run one lap around the dirt track below the school. These are the days that I looked forward to because he would always give the winner a prize (if you want to call it that). I won every race that year except for one. The prize was usually something he found on the ground, ranging from one of those colorful pencils or a pen or if I was lucky that day he would find a nickel or a dime. I really loved PE because I got to run around and either play soccer, football, play tag, prison ball, badminton or chase the girls. Yes, I was a young boy with tons of energy and to this day still love to run, workout or make people laugh (that's my other passion).The first way in which this sport has influenced my life is it has taught me who I am and, equally important, who I am not. I learned that I love the privacy and the solitude if offers. I can go for a jog and just let all my worries escape me and dream good thoughts or just take in the sights and sounds along my route. Everyday is a new discovery, neither boring nor monotonous, and that's just "one" of the reasons why I run. Next, it provides me the context for looking at the world, for seeking explanations to the riddles of life. For me, the attractions are obvious. For a start, it gives me complete solitude, it helps me feel better and provides my life with vigor, improves my sleep and provides me a means to just get lost in my own little world. Furthermore, it made me aware of my body and my responsibility to take care of it. I feel having a physically fit body shows that I cared, that I had self pride and most importantly, self-discipline. Many people and coaches have told me that my body was made for running. I had and still have, well sort of, a sleek cheetah-like (my favorite animal) form that was definitely made for running. To this day, I can still remember my father telling me after a race that I had great form and made running look easy. Well, to me, it is easy. I have been a runner for almost 30 years and I guess you can say it's in my blood. Fourth, the competition has taught me to realize my limitations and to accept them with great pride. While I was never among the elite, I can still devote quality time and derive as much pleasure and reward from the sport. Just a note that I was the top runner in my high school and ranked in the top 100 in the state of Oregon. I feel this achievement and the many others I have won make me no slouch! Fifth, it has taught me about honesty. That's right. There is, you see, no luck in running. You either have what it takes or you don't. Results don't lie and there is no one but yourself to blame when things go wrong. But one doesn't have to be fast to enjoy the sport. That is where I am today. I don't race hard anymore but still compete for the pure thrill it of. Finally, it can teach us about our spiritual side. The need to discover ourselves and what makes us unique in our own way in this crazy world and the fact we all must keep moving forward. I feel running epitomizes that struggle by teaching us that we must not stop trying. Have you ever heard the saying "Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit." Well, I wholeheartedly agree. I have never quit a race or training run except "once" when I severely twisted my ankle, and boy was I upset. So, never give up! Life's a rollercoaster, ya just have to ride it...the best you can.
Run Happy!
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