July 30, 2008 - Take the time to get a non fit neighbor out for an easy run or walk.
Yo Run Gang,
Those of us that live the running life may have a skewed view of the "average American" when it comes to fitness. For me, being in the running and event business only adds to my warped view. Sure, day to day life brings us in contact with plenty of people that are in horrible shape including some of our own friends and family but overall I'd guess we still get a false sense of what the true shape of America really is. It struck me this week while observing the crowd along a northern Michigan holiday parade route ... Yikes! The percentage of "large" people (I'm sure there is a politically correct word) and the number of people who still smoke was a bit of a shock. Perhaps it's always been this way and I am a poor observer but my gut feel is that the country is on a down slide.
Not that I have the answers; but getting out there and setting the example, talking positively with people about running and taking the time to get a non fit neighbor out for an easy run or walk would be a start.
Run, walk, share,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner
2013-01-02 - The same path
January 2, 2013
My favorite George Carlin line; "People that drive faster than us are maniacs and the ones that drive slower than us our idiots!". It's an insightful line into our human nature. Do we have similar thoughts about those who run faster or slower than us?
Or run more miles per week or less miles per week than us? Not that they are maniacs or idiots but do we feel perhaps inferior or superior when talking to other runners about their statistics? How about when talking about income, education or any other kinds social or physical measuring? I know I'm guilty of this at some level ... Dang, I resolve to work on this.
The reality is that our life circumstances and our bodies are so very different, a mile run for one person may be a greater accomplishment and bring more personal satisfaction than another person finishing a marathon. When we do something heroic or amazing, only we can know for sure that it was. What others observe, say or think about our accomplishments may boost or deflate our egos but it's up to us to be honest and true to ourselves and do what we think we can or should do in this life to be a more complete and better person. I believe our daily run and the races we enter help guide us through this life and give us insight on who we are and who we can be. I believe knowing our fellow runners are on the same path can make us more tolerant, caring and helpful.
Run, learn, grow,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who thinks everyone who runs is pretty darn cool.