We all run for one or more reasons, maybe for weight control (it does help), maybe for physical fitness (it is good for you), maybe the racing and competition (it’s in all of us), it may be for all or any combination of reasons. My most memorable race to date was the Marion Military Institute 5K (4/13/02). The reason this is memorable to me is not how I placed, not the location, not the course but one runner that made me think about running and putting it into perspective. The race was coming to an end and I’d already finished, as did most of the runners. I waited and watched as a couple in their late 60’s came walking in at a brisk pace, yet, they weren’t the last ones in. We waited some more and a couple of other runners came in as we were told there was one more runner we were waiting on. Then there she was, coming in just in front of the police escort, and yes she was running – well, maybe to some of us it seemed more like a “jog” or a walk but she was doing it. I first thought, “boy, how embarrassing it must be!” Then the thought hit me, remembering from John “The Penguin” Bingham’s book “The Courage to Start”, that we ALL have to start somewhere. I began to think – “hey, at least she’s out here doing something that a whole lot of other people wouldn’t even try”! To make it even better, when the awards were given out, guess who took first in their age group? If you guessed the young woman who came in dead last, you’re right. She came in first in her age group! It sent “chills” up my spine, because not many people have that happen, plus what better motivation for her to keep running. I was so happy for her and knew how she must have felt. So why do we run? If we think about it, we can find so many reasons. Ever feel like quitting? Think about her motivation. She did it! Oh, I took first in my age group for the first time but it seemed insignificant compared with that young woman’s achievement and courage. We may not all be great or famous athletes or even “former” greats but there are champions everywhere we turn and every time we run. How many “champions” do we run with? Probably more than we even know. Next time, encourage those that may seem to be last, it may just be what they need to have them come back out and do it again.

Keep running and see you at the races!

Mark Rutherford