Guest post from Mr. Sub 3 Hour Marathon (as he likes to be called):
15 miles at marathon pace. Not my favorite workout. I headed to the track like a dead man walking to the gallow's pole. The idea of running 60 laps seemed like anything but fun.
I laced up and starting clicking off the miles. After I had 10 miles in the bank my solitude was dashed as at least 15 families, complete with uncontrolled kids and pets, decended on the track. Soon I was forced into lanes 7 and 8 as kids chased balls and dogs chased kids. More than once I had to detour through the long jump pit. Even as a parent I was more than a little annoyed.
Then on my 13th mile I began to notice two dads working to lay out and then hold taunt a 100 meter section of rope. I couldn't figure out what they were up to. Then I realized all this work was so a blind little boy, probably eight years old, could run a 100 meter dash on his own.
As luck would have it he started his dash right as I came around the corner for my 57th lap. We ran side by side. I wish you could have seen his face, his smile. I'll never forget it. I yelled out, "You are looking great!". His reply was, "You are looking great too!".
I laced up and starting clicking off the miles. After I had 10 miles in the bank my solitude was dashed as at least 15 families, complete with uncontrolled kids and pets, decended on the track. Soon I was forced into lanes 7 and 8 as kids chased balls and dogs chased kids. More than once I had to detour through the long jump pit. Even as a parent I was more than a little annoyed.
Then on my 13th mile I began to notice two dads working to lay out and then hold taunt a 100 meter section of rope. I couldn't figure out what they were up to. Then I realized all this work was so a blind little boy, probably eight years old, could run a 100 meter dash on his own.
As luck would have it he started his dash right as I came around the corner for my 57th lap. We ran side by side. I wish you could have seen his face, his smile. I'll never forget it. I yelled out, "You are looking great!". His reply was, "You are looking great too!".
I got a lump in my throat. I felt shame for cursing my lot--having to run 15 miles. I felt a tremendous gratitude for the ability to run and I vowed to always run with that young boy's look on my face. The look we all had when we burst through the school doors on the last day of class. I promised to run like I did as a first grader during recess.
I challenge you to bring the same zest for life, for movement.
I challenge you to bring the same zest for life, for movement.
People say you don't have to look to far to find someone who has it worse off than you. I say, you don't have to look very far to find inspiration.
dear mr sub 3-hour marathon man, thanks for the morning inspiration. this story rocked!!
ReplyDeleteat the end of my runs, I turn to my friends and challenge them to a "6 year old sprint" -it's my favorite part! First graders are awesome. Thanks for the great story:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. Brought tears to my eyes, and inspirition to me hear. Thanks for sharing Jeff!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thanks so much for sharing. This is a great reminder to have perspective for our every day "trials"!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great inspiration! !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. Motivated me to start running. I kept wondering what in the heck those charms meant. Not I want a runner's brag bracelet!!! I have been on the cusp of doing one of those and this story pushed me over the edge. Thanks for the motivation!
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