It was 6am on a Saturday and it felt as if the whole world was asleep except me. I set the coffee to brew and I peeled a banana. The early morning dark still lingered outside my kitchen window. The nerves of anticipation grew in my mind making me feel like a child again. My old house creaked as I paced back and forth running a system check of my legs and feet. Everything felt good and I was excited. With a gurgle and beep, the coffee was ready. I grabbed a Clif bar and went to the living room to check my gear before my buddy, Chris, picked me up. Socks and shoes were on my feet and tied, shorts were on, shirt with numbered bib, my phone, phone holder and headphones. I felt like I was missing something. In a world of endless options, running feels too simple. Now in my late 20’s, it’s the minimalistic nature of running that drew me to the sport. All you need is a pair of shoes, some earth, and a reason to run. Finding a reason to run is the hardest part.
Chris pulled up right on time and we were off. We were both excited and feeling good about the race. The empty roads and predawn glow gave the morning a forbidden feel. The city seemed liberated; in the pale light, it felt more genuine. A crowd of weekend warriors were amassing as we pulled up. These weren’t the same people who worked in law offices or sold insurance during the week. These were warriors focusing their minds and loosening their limbs. Lighthearted laughter floated through the air as we walked towards the starting area. The vibe of the crowd was excitement, and the feel of anticipation was all around. There was a slight breeze, and the chill from the night before was still in the air. Chris and I found a spot in the crowd and said our last good lucks before the race started.
There aren’t many feelings like running in a large group of people. The clap of feet on the ground and the collective sounds of breath are a form of worship. Each person had to make sacrifices to be part of this congregation. The solidarity of participation is a powerful drug. Each person had their own reason for being out there: maybe a new year’s resolution, a personal fitness goal, a commitment to a friend. Whatever the reason, the setting is the same. A group of civilized humans scratching a primal itch.
That was my first half marathon. I never thought long-distance running was a sport I would enjoy. My mentality about running had always been a means to an end; I ran to develop cardio for sports like football or wrestling. I told myself that I hated running because I felt like I wasn’t good at it. With age grows maturity, and I now realize that doing something simply because you are good at it is how cowards live their lives. Intellectual and physical growth come from examining the aspects of your life that you aren’t “good at.” The faults are where you should start. I now identify as a runner not because I am good at running, but because I frequently run. The only price of admission to the show is the willingness to participate.
Don’t take my zealous view of running as delusion. I am still a young man, and I acknowledge that enjoyment is somewhat determined by the vantage point of age and the consequent health of one’s joints. Someday in the future I may come to hate running again. I may see the insanity of running the same streets expecting to experience something new. For now, I choose to train, and I will continue to sign-up for races. I might never be the fastest. I will, most likely, never break any records. But I have come to enjoy getting participation trophies. What I once viewed as a consolation prize I know see as badge of commitment. So, I will continue to participate and I will redefine what it means to win.
At the finish line with Emmett
Running resources:
· Strava- A running app that allows you to connect with friends and co-workers. This app offers data about your run and is a great way to track progress and gain motivation.
· Born to Run by Christopher Mcdougall- In the book, Mcdougall explores the world of ultra-distance racing and investigates the long distance running history of our ancestors. The human physiology is adapted for long distance running and many experts believe that the first humans practiced persistence hunting, a technique where a group of humans chase an animal until the animal is too tire to run any further. Mcdougall highlights a tribe of humble people from the wilds of Mexico, a tribe known as the Raramuri. This tribe holds ultra-distance running at the center of their culture. This book is well worth the read, and if it doesn’t inspire you to stretch your legs, there is likely nothing that will.
· When in doubt, find a friend. Running is a singular pursuit, but the experience is easily shared by a group. Go into your local running shop (Get Fit in Amarillo, Tx) and ask about group runs and ways of getting involved. Runners are very inclusive and generally eager help you onto your journey.
· Something to bump in your Headphones- I listen to podcasts and Spotify to pass the time on runs. Some of my favorite podcast are:
o The Liturgist
o Duncan Trussle Family Hour
o Tangentially Speaking with Christopher Ryan
o Hardcore History with Dan Carlin
o Radio Lab
o Joe Rogan Experience
o Think Again: A Big Think Podcast
o Freakanomics Radio
o Waking Up with Sam Harris
o Aubrey Marcus Podcast
o Mixed Mental Arts
On Spotify I like to listen to rappers such as:
o Kendrick Lamar
o Lupe Fiasco
o Mick Jenkins
o Isaiah Rashad
o Talib Kweli
o Outkast
o Ab-soul