Theory Of Evolution
01/27/2012 in Running Posts
In my observation over the years I have noticed that there are two primary catagories of runners. There are veterans who started as far back as middle school and continue to “run like the wind”. Some have grown older or had injuries, but they still manage to drag themselves out of bed at 4 a.m. and start down that “all too familiar” route. If you are one of these people I give you my wholehearted respect. Then there are the rest of us that comprise the majority. We have come from places in our lives we are constantly in the process of trying to purge from our self perceptions. It seems with every step that hits the ground we are leaving a part of us, that we would prefer to forget completely, even farther in the distance. Some of us had terrible habits while others battled their weight much of their lives. Mom is trying
to regain her fitness level after having children and the awkward kid in high school is older now, but found a sport where he can take pride in his efforts. Even some that have succeeded and become indistinguishable from the lifetime runners. No matter if you are the aforementioned veteran or the majority I speak of, there is one glaring similarity that can not go unnoticed. This is character. You have all found the ability to do the things people said you couldn’t do. But more importantly, the knowledge that you broke through barriers that you may have thought were unattainable. The veteran is pushing that extra 10% and feeling like his stomach is going to stage a very embarrassing protest at the finish line. The newbie has finally abandoned the poor choices and decided t
o take personal responsibility for his health and appearance. From winner to last place, this strength becomes incorporated into our very being as we face everyday challenges. There will always be setbacks and obstacles, but the important thing is that we stay focused and take another step forward. It doesn’t matter where you are on that metaphorical road to a healthier life or trying to be the overall winner of the race, we have all built character in times of weakness through running. So I say to you all, keep pushing forward, keep focused and keep evolving.
1. “The Abominable Snowman” - This winter you are going to see people that run in the standard light jacket and tights combination. Then there are the runners that apparently fear the cold so badly that they wear enough layers not only to shelter them from it, but also to protect them from any passing Buick that carelessly meanders off the road into their path. Is this really running? I thought the whole point was to warm up while you were running rather than looking like you are taking “One small step for man”.
3. “The Blankman” - These are the men and women that dress in racing outfits that look so much like superhero suits that they probably didn’t register for the race with their true identity. I love racing with these people because I know that if a group of street toughs tries to mug me in the middle of mile 2, the poor man’s X Men will be there to save me. If only these people had super speed. Much of the time these are the same people that inspired the saying used by this blog, “It’s not how fast you are, it’s how fast you look.” So, the next time you run across Spider-man’s velocity challenged little brother, fear not! He probably just looks faster than you.
5. “The Halloweenie” - I have to say I really don’t have a problem with people who feel the need to dress up in crazy costumes and run a race. If you want to run 26.2 miles dressed as the Eiffel Tower, you’re a better man than I.
Now that the introductions are over let’s talk about getting through the winter. So far most of us have enjoyed unseasonably high temperatures until now. It is time to toughen up and continue to run outside. Even if you use a treadmill during the really cold days, try to make it a point to get outside for at least three miles, twice a week. I made the mistake of getting on a treadmill all winter in the beginning of my running life and when spring finally came I could not figure out why the street stopped moving on it’s own under my feet. Let’s face it, the treadmill is like methadone for running addicts. It might get us through but ultimately we want and need our running fix outside.
Lastly I want to address one thing that bugs me all year but even more often in the winter. When I am running on a sidewalk or on a trail I inevitably come across people who are all bundled up and out for a walk. Sometimes with a dog and sometimes with a spouse. Let me be clear, I am an overly friendly runner and will give the casual wave to someone I am passing. So I ask myself how do these people seem to find a way to take up the entire trail and look at you with the blankest of stares as if they can’t figure out why someone would want to run without being chased by someone or something. It can be the oldest, skinniest of grandmothers out there and somehow she will suddenly expand to block my path in an instant and then look at me with a hollow look the likes of which I have not seen anywhere but a zombie movie. Really, there is something wrong with these people that don’t run.
