Putting Into Perspective

This evening I watched a fave running film of mine - "Chariots of Fire." I think it's a good one to watch when you want to put your running into perspective. The story of the film follows two runners: Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams. Liddell, a Scot and devout Christian makes a stand that he will not run on a Sunday. Abrahams, a Jew, is a man burning to win. Both are gifted athletes. Both bring differing perspectives for running.

For Abrahams, his running and winning means gaining acceptance in a society which looks down on Jews. For Liddell, running is a gift from God, and he treasures that gift.

My running is not a gift, nor does it come naturally. I have to work very hard at it. Some days are better than others. I have to dig deep to make things work for me. For others running is a easy extension of themselves. I envy those people sometimes.

Still when I am running, I love it, and I feel complete. Today's run was one where I felt very complete. I ran for 30 minutes, and did a combination of speed work, and taking it easy. I felt good running.

I have to say though I eagerly await the day the snow and ice are gone so I can really run outside.

Charlie