Watching the Runners Go By

During the training program I coach, I have, from time to time, the honor to head out on the trail and provide water or Gatorade for the runners. This morning I headed out with Gatorade in the jug, and I camped out on the Monon Trail.

Of course anyone is welcome to have something to drink. We don't limit it to just those running in our program. What is fun to do is watch the runners go by. Sitting on the sidelines, watching, gives you some interesting perspectives on running.

There are the gazelle like runners. This morning, these were the high school boys and girls, out for a workout. The weekend runners is the person who may or may not run on a regular basis, but they head out for a run on a Saturday. These folks look like they are pouring all their effort into this one run. Moms and dads go by with strollers or dogs, or both. Older runners are running with the determination that they want to do this as long as they can.

The runners in my program are a mix. I gave all of them some encouragement. I chatted a bit with a couple of them. One woman and I have agreed that when we die, all our running medals are coming with us. I think this will make me the Jacob Marley of running. One woman talked about how she won't run the Mini now that her son has backed out, but she loves running with the group, and always appreciates my words to her.

Watching these folks, how can you not fall in love with running? Greeting each person with a "Good Morning" is a way of life on the running trail. The head nods, the friendly smiles, the camaraderie, really show you how special running is.

This is the kind of experience which reminds me why I love running.

Charlie