Our running group is a wonderful metaphor for how life should be — unplanned, uncomplicated and thoroughly enjoyable.
You show up, you run. Something gets in the way, no big deal. See you next time. The motivating factor is not so much the workout, but the constant roadside chatter.
There is nothing we don’t talk about: Spouses, kids, parents, sex, politics, organic cleaning tips and holistic healing advice. Moments of silence are rare, particularly when all eight of us make the appointed hour.
This unburdened contemplation of any subject matter without fear of judgment frees the mind and opens the road as it unfolds beneath our feet. Every run is a journey and a celebration. They are moments in time filled with the subtleties of daily life and a true friendship that stokes the fires of the soul.
At the start, there was no hint of what was to come. We hooked up through happenstance — a new neighborhood, a new town, a chance meeting, a reconnection of friendships past.
That is what makes our rag-tag group all the more a blessing; some mysterious gift bestowed on us for reasons still not entirely clear.
There is the plain, pure and hard fact of the workout. If not for each other, there are many days when few, if any, of us would run.
There is the friendship and the camaraderie, both of which make life infinitely more precious. And, when we are at the proverbial end of our wits, there are the free counseling sessions.
Some days, I wonder, is this it? Are we just here to enjoy our time together and help each other through the daily dose of chaos and drama? Or, will some other, deeper purpose evolve?
And, therein, lies the greater beauty.
Whether in running or in life, traveling alongside a kindred soul makes it easier to ride out the unknowns of the journey.
There is nothing we don’t talk about: Spouses, kids, parents, sex, politics, organic cleaning tips and holistic healing advice. Moments of silence are rare, particularly when all eight of us make the appointed hour.
This unburdened contemplation of any subject matter without fear of judgment frees the mind and opens the road as it unfolds beneath our feet. Every run is a journey and a celebration. They are moments in time filled with the subtleties of daily life and a true friendship that stokes the fires of the soul.
At the start, there was no hint of what was to come. We hooked up through happenstance — a new neighborhood, a new town, a chance meeting, a reconnection of friendships past.
That is what makes our rag-tag group all the more a blessing; some mysterious gift bestowed on us for reasons still not entirely clear.
There is the plain, pure and hard fact of the workout. If not for each other, there are many days when few, if any, of us would run.
There is the friendship and the camaraderie, both of which make life infinitely more precious. And, when we are at the proverbial end of our wits, there are the free counseling sessions.
Some days, I wonder, is this it? Are we just here to enjoy our time together and help each other through the daily dose of chaos and drama? Or, will some other, deeper purpose evolve?
And, therein, lies the greater beauty.
Whether in running or in life, traveling alongside a kindred soul makes it easier to ride out the unknowns of the journey.
3 comments:
Hello-from the "tall one" of the running group. around 8 am today, I made it out for a 25 minute run alone......but guess where I was? FARGO, ND. it was about 20 degrees and better yet, I ran in SHORTS! I had to smile because I got two honks and didn't feel too chilled. Tredging alone wasn't so bad but I sure wish I had the "group"
I found you!!! I love that you started this blog. I'm jealous that you have this group. I just started running a couple months back, but I could really use some pointers!
Awesome that you guys have such a large running group ... I have on running partner and those days we make it out together are by far my favorites.
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