Running Affirmations

I do not consider myself a runner. In fact I have often referred to myself as a fake runner meaning that I sign up for events but do not have any actual belief that I will in fact complete them successfully. I know all you readers of The Secret are probably thinking "Thoughts are Things". I do believe that which is why I continue my training mile after mile, morning after morning but will be genuinely surprised once I cross the finish line of the Women's Half in November.

I do identify myself as a amateur sociologist and even have a degree somewhere confirming that. I love people watching and "study" behavior and have noticed a phenomenon among the culture of runners I have encountered over the past few months of training that I believe warrants further discussion. I have primarily experienced life as a New Englander, more specifically a Masshole, where my daily interactions we largely guided by the "Stranger Danger" belief.

This no doubt was largely effected by my propensity to watch Law and Order SVU and CSI among other crime dramas. Also, in the Northeast we are resigned to the fact that our own daily business is infinitely more important than anyone else around us and can't afford to lose time by slowing down to say hello since we would then be in danger of losing focus on the task at hand. You might say I am a recovering New Englander since my pace certainly has changed to match my new surroundings here in St. Pete.

As I mentioned I am not a runner. I spent a large chunk of time during my one season of track in high school trying to figure out how I could socialize with the boys team without getting in trouble. So those of you who know me from high school will second my assertion that I am not a "real" runner. Because of my recent integration into this culture I am just now experiencing this aforementioned cultural phenomenon:

The Passing Greeting

In a hobby that can be so individual and even seclusive this show of solidarity among pavement pounders has truly taken me by surprise and made all the difference in my solo runs.  On mornings when I am ready to give up and walk the remaining mileage back to my car or home these waives, "good mornings", and knowing looks push me through to complete my run. These seemingly small gestures may as well be high fives or a dedicated cheering section that empowers and reminds me that I  can complete the distance. 

For every person that passes me there are many that are at my level, and even some who  for now I am stronger than. With every stride we are all gaining more than the pounds of sweat we are losing. No matter what our ability level we all meet with one goal: completion. Distances and pace vary but on the running trail we are all a team pushing each other to be stronger. 

I don't know if I will ever truly enjoy running. Currently, my favorite part of the run is when its over. But I do love the interactions I have with the runners who cross my path and I am truly grateful for their inspiration and energy on early morning runs.