Running and I go way back — all the way back to the early 70’s when I was five years old. One of my earliest running memories is competing in the 100m dash and long jump at summer track meets as a little kid. Running defined me at certain points in my life and affected me in so many different ways — both positive and negative— and finally at this stage of my life, I am appreciating its impact as life comes full circle. As I am sure anyone who has run for an extended period of time will tell you, there’s something magical about this sport that teaches invaluable lessons and affords us countless opportunities.
My father, who was extremely athletic (he went to college on a full ride for sports and was a PE teacher for 30+ years), started the girls cross country program at my HS back in the 70s when no programs existed. Tagging along to meets with him and his team when I was in elementary school was so inspiring. It was a special opportunity to watch all the runners who I hoped to be like one day. His teams were fast, won championships and felt like a big extended family where I belonged. I wanted to be part of all of it.
The earliest memory I have of road racing was when I ran my first 10K with my father when I was around 10 years old. From the evidence in the race photo, it definitely hurt. I remember it being really hot, but I placed in my age group. Thanks to my skinny body and short hair they mistook me for a boy, but my dad rushed backstage to the race director and quickly set things straight. I was awarded my trophy and from there I was hooked. It was obvious that I had a natural gift. I loved to run, I loved to compete and I loved to win, so I started to race more often. Even at that young age, I noticed the sense of community at races, and I loved being around people who had gathered together to push themselves toward a goal. The excitement and anxiety at the starting line were palpable while witnessing the celebration at the finish line was inspiring.
Throughout my childhood and adolescence I ran without much thought. I usually won pretty easily, most of the time outrunning the boys as well. The sensation of moving my body as fast as I could and flying through the woods trying to get to the finish line before anyone else was exhilarating.
In high school I was fortunate to have my dad as a coach. He coached several state championship teams (which I was a part of in 1985) along with many individual champions so we were a force to be reckoned with. We traveled all over to some of the best races on the east coast. (I even had the opportunity to fly to Fresno, California for the national Junior Olympic championships in cross country.) For most of my childhood, my Saturdays consisted of early morning bus rides to highly competitive races, featuring hundreds (sometimes thousands) of runners. My teammates and I had dance parties in our hotel rooms, endless fits of laughter, pep talks and conversations to calm our nerves, we shared tears, fears and disappointments, and countless victory celebrations. We were truly a family.
During the summer, everyday revolved around being active and outside. Not only did I train, but since my dad was the recreational program director at our lake, we participated in activities all day long. From the morning till night we were active.
We learned the importance of being social and active while practicing teamwork. We learned how to appreciate movement and fresh air. I had an amazing group of friends with whom I participated in track meets, triathlons, swim meets, basketball, games, tennis tournaments, and even a mini Iron Man. Sports, especially running, was always where I found my sweet spot.
When I got my first coaching job as a running club supervisor and a modified cross country coach, I immediately realized it was by far my favorite part of teaching. Every day I looked forward to lacing up with the kids after school, hearing about their day, and teaching them to love running like I did. Throughout my career, I’ve coached modified and varsity track and cross country and for the last five years I’ve had the honor to coach my own kids. Implementing strategies I learned from my dad has been a blessing and it’s been invaluable watching my kids grow to love the sport.
Running has taught me so many valuable lessons about motivation, perseverance, courage, strength, victory, disappointment, and teamwork. All you need to do is attend a cross-country or track meet to get swept away by the spirit of camaraderie. Be a spectator at a marathon or ultra, and I guarantee you will be inspired by the strength of the competitors and the sense of community among everyone who is there.
This year after a 10 year hiatus, I jumped back in as a participant when I entered a half marathon. Things came full circle when I picked up my race bib at a local running store with my father. For years I served the role of coach and spectator checking my runners in, handing out safety pins and making sure the team was prepared. It was surreal when I was handed a bib with my name on it! I made sure I soaked in the atmosphere — the camaraderie of all the strangers gathering together for a common purpose, sharing goals and fears about the race, making predictions about the weather and offering tips and tricks they’ve learned on their journeys. Another instant family.
Things truly came full circle this year for me as a runner when I rediscovered everything about the sport I fell in love with 48 years ago. I relived so many amazing memories from the time I was five until now. It seems only fitting that I enjoy writing about running so much. It has shaped my life in countless ways. Running is so much more than moving my body for an hour (although at times just that feat has been a miracle to me!) It signifies family, friends, teamwork, camaraderie, and everything that’s beautiful about the human spirit.
