On Friday, spring had finally sprung in the DC area and with the super long 6-month winter everyone was in the mood to thaw out. And, with this comes the runners. I swear there are times that I think Forrest Gump multiplied to the nth degree in this area.
Runners have always fascinated me. Secretly, I have always wanted to be one. I crave the serenity that appears to exude from their very being just by lacing up a pair of running shoes. However, after 5 plus years of trying to join the elite runner’s club it just doesn’t seem to be in the cards for me. Yet, I continue to try season after season.
Which brings me back to Friday. The weather was gorgeous and it was the perfect evening for a little 5k. But, my inner self was warring with my practical self on debating whether to lace up the sneakers or pour a crisp glass of wine and enjoy the first great Friday evening on the back porch with my mom. Practicality won and I headed to Crystal City with my sister
So, there I stood … at the back of the crowd with the double-wide baby strollers; the way-too-large dogs harnessed on way too long of leashes; and all those who vowed that when the weather turned nicer they would start a running regiment thinking I should surely have graduated from the 14.5 minute mile crowd after 5 years. I began to get really discouraged as I do at the start of every running season. Tears began to well in my eyes and I turned away from my sister, who has forever been a consistent 10-minute-miler, not wanting to have to explain the frustration that permeates year after year.
Quickly, I took inventory again of all those who had the courage to lace up their shoes and mentally determined to do 3 miles. And, I psychologically calculated what I would say to any of them that began to feel discouraged or thought they were not good enough or fast enough to be out there. I realized that I needed to give myself that pep talk realizing that even though I may never be the 10-minute-miler I am out there; I am trying; and I am progressing forward. As I continue to grow in my grace for others I was reminded that it should also be afforded to myself.
I did not make the 10-minute club but I did shave off a little less than a minute per mile. One step at a time …