I ran a 10K on Saturday. It wasn’t pretty. I hadn’t run since suffering from a severely herniated disc in my lower back three years ago. But the time was right to try again. Taking three years off of running hadn’t been good for my health. My doctor (who is a runner) had been blunt with me. When I raised concerns about running being hard on my knees, he replied, “So is being fat!” I started running again.
Last Saturday, July 4th, I ran the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race, an iconic 10k with 50,000 participants (and I think every one of them got in my way!). The forecast showed 96 degrees, but officials warned that it would feel much hotter. It wasn’t the best conditions for a long-distance run. But it’s a famous local event held every Independence Day, so I decided it was time to get back in the game.
My run was average. I was in the middle of the pack by every measure. Yet here are some of my takeaways:
First, it was an upbeat atmosphere. If you’ve never participated in a race, I encourage you to enter one if your health allows. They are positive experiences. We arrived at around 6:45 a.m., and thousands of people were already there (most of whom seemed to be in line for the same bathroom I was waiting to use). The DJ kept everyone energized. Runners from every race and political party were present. Yet, for that morning, we were all just people who got up early on a Saturday to complete a grueling run together. The DJ kept emphasizing that this event brings people together. And it did.
Second, it’s a healthy experience. I live in the South. The DEEP South. Within six months of moving here, my cholesterol began rising. We do food well. It’s hard to keep that Body Mass Index down! But the runners in the Peachtree Road Race were trying. There were runners of all sizes, shapes, and physical conditions out there early on a holiday Saturday to exercise together. Many of us had a barbecue on the schedule for later that afternoon, but we were kicking the day off by burning some calories. I applaud anyone who makes an effort to stay (or get) healthy.
Third, it’s best to run with someone else. Most people seemed to be running with friends or family. That’s what makes it fun (and bearable). My wife and son Daniel are my typical running buddies. Last year, Daniel’s wife and kids ran this race too, but they were in Canada this time. My wife suffered an injury during training, so we were down to just my son Daniel and me. I kept telling him to run on ahead, but he insisted on staying with me. I always run faster and harder when I’m with someone else. I think that same principle applies to life in general.
Fourth, there were lots of people cheering for us from the sidelines. At times, it seemed like there were more people on the sidelines than on the course. Doesn’t life feel the same way sometimes? The people on the sidelines were kind and supportive. But it struck me as slightly odd that people sitting on lawn chairs were shouting, “You can do it!” The encouragement I received from fellow runners had a greater impact on me, because I knew we were in it together.
Fifth, the two most important parts of the race are the beginning and the end. If you start out thinking you’ll never be able to do it, you probably won’t. It’s also important to finish strong. Even if you walk during the middle, the rule of thumb is to speed up and run across the finish line. Finishing strong is good advice in all areas of life.
Sixth, for most people (including me), running is hard. I never get adrenalin rushes when I run. It’s tough, sweaty work. Race participants typically receive some snacks, a T-shirt, and a medal at the end. But I would never run just for those rewards. I run because it feels good to accomplish a difficult goal. Successfully finishing a demanding race is a great reminder that you can do hard things. You didn’t stay in bed this morning. You didn’t make excuses. You didn’t feel sorry for yourself. You got up and did something challenging, and you’re a stronger, better person as a result.
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