Do you ever feel that the harder you run, the behinder you get? That running at the back of the pack is a metaphor for your life?

A friend who began running some 10 or more years ago, and keeps up a slow, but steady pace told me that her local race no longer welcomes her, but the more prestigious race a bit farther from home has a place for her. That’s the better race anyway!

I’ve been out with my friend when she was stopped on more than one occasion by someone who admires her pluck and verve, not to mention doggedness. All qualities that translate to life. And they wondered why she was walking. (She was with me!) (I do tell her to be wise in the sleet and snow.)

It seems the elite runners welcome participation by others. Whereas the more average marathoner holds different views.

…legendary gold medalist Frank Shorter says the criticisms of slow runners are “snobbery.” “You never hear that from elite runners,” he told me. “Elite runners admire other people’s performance. I find it much better to welcome slow runners to the club than to vote them out.”

Greg Meyer, who in 1983 was the last American man to win the Boston Marathon, says that when he hears such complaints from average marathoners, he replies, “If it wasn’t for the run-walkers, you wouldn’t be finishing in front of anybody.” The NY Times

Does running last mean we should give up the race?

I love this quote from Isaiah:

…they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Is 40:31

It helps me to know that whether we run through life or walk, our particular pace ensures our place. There are times when we have to slow down due to life getting in the way. There may be a time later when we can once again pick up the pace.

It’s not so bad to be at the back of the pack, at least we are in the running!

And then again, if we are a runner through life, do we stop to smell the daisies or to help fellow walkers? Speed isn’t everything.

Are you a runner or a walker?
And do you run marathons, literally or figuratively?

Karin

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Age, Hope, Just thinking, Opportunity, Un femme d'un certain age