I hear a voice from behind me. Then I remember that I am wearing the shirt from the race. I assume that "The Race" that she is referring to is the marathon.
"I ran the 5k part of 'the race'" I reply almost apologetically.
"Did you run?" I ask.
"No. I saw your shirt and I know that the race was this past weekend."
"Are you a runner?"
"Yes. But I haven't yet run a marathon. Just a half. I was wondering how the course was."
From there we compared races that we have run and goals that we have set. I explained that I was coming off a foot injury and the 5k was a test to see if it had healed. At that point, I realized that I shouldn't feel guilty that I didn't run "the race", that goals are individual and independent from other people, that I need to run my race. As I finished loading my groceries, we wished each other well in pursuing our goals for future races. I am now ready to run my race.
I'm always impressed by anyone who can run a race...no matter the length. Mit takes a lot of prep and dedication to make a go of it! Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is something we all need to be reminded of--"goals are individual and independent from other people." How wise of you to take that away from a chance encounter!
ReplyDeleteThis line is phenomenal, "goals are individual and independent from other people..." One worth remembering.
ReplyDelete