Why do we do this crazy thing? Why do we push ourselves to the very limit of our natural ability? When I was in the best shape of my life as a young runner, the common underlying theme that recurred at some point during each and virtually every race was “Stop This Madness.” Don’t torture yourself another step. And yet, the lure of the test called me back. For decades it has continued to beckon me.
I’m fortunate to be able to claim that as my years passed, an incredible and fortunate metamorphous occurred within me. Rather than desiring to quit the race, I found myself pushing even harder. The inner struggle in me seemed to be gone. The change, though gradual, was so profound that it eventually consumed all of me. Not only were my races more focused, my work was more deliberate, and my love for my wife and family became more intense. I began to make an honest attempt to be kinder to the people around me and appreciate them for their qualities that I had previously ignored. My grass became greener and my life was better as a result.
Some fellow runners have requested that I author a series describing the unusual race starts that we have produced over the years. Truth is, we’ve have had some doozies! However, in attempting to accommodate that request, I found it difficult to separate the inspiration behind a particular race start from that all encompassing inspiration of life itself . So, I thank you in advance for indulging me as you read the following stories. My desire is that your life will become rich, as mine has, by appreciating these words of a good friend.