THE FELLOWSHIP OF RUNNING

There are many things that have brought people into the running community these past few years. Health has been quite high on the list. A recognition of the fact that we should be getting more exercise has certainly played it's part. Other reasons have been many and varied; including the spirit of competition, the desire for recognition, and the pull of the out-of-doors. Any or all of these may have been your encouragement to begin running.

I have found, however, that regardless of what jump-started your engine in the beginning, one of the things most runners come to most is fellowship. Where else can you find so many people interested in how you feel the progress of your recovery from an injury? With whom can you talk more freely than with other runners? You sometimes surprise yourself to find that you have told them things your nearest relatives don't know! All because you knew both that they were interested and that they would understand. After all, few things happen to you  that others have not experienced before. This makes them want to listen and to share their experiences with you.

More and more you also begin to enjoy the successes of other runners. This gets you outside yourself; and makes you forget small problems and irritations. It becomes a thrill to see them improves their times or to go forward for an award.  Since you are now sharing their lives, each success become a victory for you as well

Most of us have learned that running alone is not much fun. We all do of it; but it becomes a task very quickly. We derive satisfaction even from our struggles when others are with us, so that after a run we can share our pair or disappointments. We can also encourage one another to press on when we desperately want to quit ant find mutual satisfaction in a hard run completed together.

Maybe you have had the experience, as I have, of going to a race where you knew almost no one. You may have run hard and won a trophy; but somehow it was not the same. You may have puzzled over your lack of satisfaction with the day. It is only then that you begin to realize how much you have come to cherish the fellowship of other runners. You long to share your experiences with those you know; and without that running is not the same.

Recognize how much the fellowship of other runners means to you. Share in it and promote it among others. Draw in those who may need it most. It will bless you as well as them. It can enhance your joy of being a runner.