Member-only story
Trail running brings out the best in humanity. There is something primal about sharing trails with other runners. It somehow allows egos to evaporate and basic human kindness to flourish.
I was back in the race scene on Saturday. The first time in almost 2 years. This time I was in a new country and around complete strangers. I breathed deeply to prevent the familiar pre-race feelings of trepidation from escalating into a full-blown panic. I repeated my old mantra to myself “I run because can, I run because I’m healthy, able, and free.”
I run for myself. I race against myself. Showing our potential running rivals encouragement, giving well wishes, and even helping them during the race is good sportspersonship. And let’s be honest — it is simply being a decent human being.
And we are off … I settled into a rhythm, paced by the footstep metronome of my fellow runners. Runners with their own stories, all with their own “whys”. Hundreds of bodies with one big common goal and smaller personal goals. All brought together for several hours. All running their 26 miles on the same route, at different paces. All experiencing the undulating highs and lows that endurance running bestows.
