Running starts one step at a time

People often ask me if I've always been a runner.  I imagine they are expecting a positive response, perhaps to hear me say yes would be a reason why they themselves could never be a runner too; if it's something that one has always done, it would seem impossible to start now.  Looking back, I can't say for certain how long I've been running as it's been something that has come and gone depending on what was going on in my life at the time.  As I ran my speed drills on the track this morning I reflected on my first memories of truly running, that one pitiful season of track when I was assigned to run the mile.  I still remember that first meet, and I don't think I'd ever run a mile before that day.  4 whole laps?  That felt like the biggest circle ever!  It was a hot and sunny afternoon, and as I struggled along the farthest corner of the track away from the spectators (dragging along, not even jogging by this point) I thought the end would never come.  But step by step, I came closer to the finish line and the agony was finally over.  And each run since has been the same, moving forward bit by bit to the end, though triumph and personal satisfaction almost always outweigh the downsides.  And today?  That size of the track felt so small (and manageable!) compared to my tainted memory.

As I've said before, I love running.  I realize most people aren't sick like that.  I find such peace in the the time I have for reflection, inspiration in the people and world around me, and satisfaction in pushing myself to new limits.  The achievements are personally rewarding, but you have to start small and build on what you've developed.  This does not bode well for someone as impatient as me who longs for the fast paces of years gone by that were honed by youth, frequent PT drills, and a lot less weight.  But for every time in my life that I've been a runner, there's been a longer period of time that I wasn't, and every time it calls me back, the process must restart.

As the saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and this is as true in running as it is for life in general.  Starting slowly, a small distance to plan for and overcome, a finish line to cross and celebrate; the same can be said for all obstacles we're faced with.  So you don't have to have always been a runner to start now, and not all races have to be won by running.