Articles, tips, miscellany
Races Produce "Miracle Cures"...
by Rick Sundin, Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago
Generally, I find fellow runners to be quite honest individuals - EXCEPT at the start line of a road race. To listen to then endless litany of ills, injuries and pain, I find it a wonder that some people even made it to the event, let alone run a grueling race. In fact, prayers sometimes seem appropriate as I try to fathom how these casualties will ever cross the finish line.
But suddenly, when the gun does off, these walking wounded take off like bats out of hell and almost leave me reeling in a vacuum left in their wake. Who needs medicine or doctors with such "miracle cures?" Never underestimate what good a road race may do for you.
On a more serious note, the social dimensions of a race are very special. When I run well, my friends are there to share in the celebration. When I run poorly or am injured, they are there to share in my frustrations. We empathize with each other closely. We have all 'been there.'
Dr. George Sheehan spoke eloquently about running friendships. This is a quote from something he wrote back in 1989:
"When I run with acquaintances, they become friends. When I run with friends, they become closer friends. When I run with my sons and daughters, I am permitted entry into a world previously closed to me. Conversation during a run is filled with the peaks and valleys of our intermost life. It can be the closest two human beings can come to total revelation and acceptance."
"Companionship is one of the latest boons of my running. Runners are nonjudgemental people. Past is past. You are the person you are now, and you are accepted without reservation. The solitude of running is one of its most precious assets, but this must not become isolation."
"If you assess your life to see what's missing, you will find that running will correct these deficiencies. Whatever your age, it will make you a good animal; restore the child within; liberate the artist; and give you the opportunity to go on the heroic quest."
"No wonder when runners are asked how long they intend to keep running, 95% answer 'FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.'"