NYC Marathon Eve seems like a perfect time to break the drought I didn't even realize I was perpetuating. Since adjusting back to real life post-summer/wedding, it's been a slow ease back into a routine of running/physical activity. There will always be a list of reasons why it's difficult to fit it all in, so there's no point in rattling them off. When it's a priority, you make it work.
It has taken some time for me though to feel like it was a priority, but in the past few weeks, I've slowly eased back into routine of running/yoga and excited to slowly build back my base, and possibly more importantly, my confidence, to get myself ready for some goals my big eyes are set on for 2014. It feels good to be getting back.
Throughout this week, I've been eagerly anticipating and waiting tomorrow, when three of my favorite friends and runners, including one of my nearest and dearest friends/biggest running inspiration, will toe the starting line for the world famous NYC Marathon. Yesterday, I went to watch some of our middle school students play in the championship soccer game, and couldn't help but compare it to a more traditional team sport. After the goalie (ahem, my student - so proud!) made a great save or when the game set to be determined by PKs (as I've been informed they're called), I admired the way the boys all huddled together, supporting one another. I never played a team sport and I always envied that aspect of it...the camaraderie and sense of togetherness. The game came down to a just a few individual moments and ultimately, a shoot out, where our boys lost by one kick. I easily could have shed a few tears - they were so close and I so badly wanted them to feel the feelings that come with winning. Of course, getting to the championship alone was a great feat, but when you're that close, it's impossible to not just want it all.
As we returned to the car, I realized that's something I would never trade about my relationship with running. It's not competitive against anyone but myself. Everyone can truly feel the success of it, because you're only measuring you against yourself. You couldn't run for 5 minutes before? Well now you're running a 5k! Running is about the relationship you have with yourself. When every moment of our days can feel scheduled or jammed, it's invaluable to be able to set aside time just for me.
While I wish I had the experience of reaping the benefits of a team sport, I'm not sure I could handle the responsibility of it, even as an adult. The more you run, the more you realize that running isn't a team sport, but it's certainly not isolated. I think of the countless runs I've shared with friends, of all of the support and growth that's occurred through the support of others.
