One of the best days of my life, and certainly the best day of my running life, took place on the west coast of Ireland. I was there with a group of close friends visiting an even closer friend who is a diving instructor. Great camaraderie comes from being in a remote place, sharing a common interest with your chums. On the final day we couldn’t dive because of the flight home. After a slightly hungover breakfast, everyone settled into reading magazines and chilling out until it was time to leave. I pulled on my running kit and trainers. “Come on guys, it’s a lovely day. Let’s get out there!” I used all my best persuasive tactics. They were having none of it, some of them apologetic and citing hangovers, some of them downright incredulous that anyone could be so mad. So, it was to be a solo run.
I headed out towards the beach and was met with a strong gust of wind. I was discouraged at first, but determined to rise to the challenge. It was a truly beautiful day. Sparkling sunshine with cotton wool clouds speeding across the sky, creating patterns on the sand. Wild horse waves crashing hard on to the beach. It always feels special to be near the sea, smelling the seaweed as your eyes scan the far horizon, and you absorb the cacophony of the sea and birdsong. At the beach the wind was square in my face, making me gasp for each breath. My limbs were pumping, as if sprinting, to make progress at snail’s pace. At first it was tempting to stop and walk, and absorb the atmosphere in comfort. I decided nature wasn’t going to beat me. As my body fought its external battle with the elements, my mind wandered on to some of my internal battles.
I had been lucky to meet the man who would be my husband in my early twenties. We were so happy together! I was never a natural sportswoman, but with his encouragement and some of my own inner motivation, I became a black belt in karate, and a regular (if not talented) runner. He was on a pedestal as a respected karate instructor and pianist. But the spectre of his alcoholism gradually ruined everything. The karate club faltered and closed. He alienated family and friends. He lost his job. Eventually he lost me. And some three years later he lost his life. As I ran, my emotions were churning inside. I remembered the feeling of deep despair. You can almost taste it, as it seems to come from something rotting in your stomach. I reflected on the pain of separation, divorce and bereavement. Each of them with their own pattern of grief. I fixed my gaze on the last post of a fence running along the beach. That last post would be my goal, I decided. I marvelled at the strength my body found to keep going in the face of such adverse conditions. Every muscle straining, my lungs heaving. And yet I could not think of stopping as I looked up at the vast sky! My inner turmoil continued too. I relived those sharp emotions, but as I did so they seemed to ease. My mind was mulling over everything that had happened, and acknowledged it all. It happened. It hurt. It is over. I felt I was almost meditating and the emotions were gently eased to the rhythm of my running.
At the edge of my physical limits, I reached the furthest post! Wow! I was rewarded with a peak at the next beach, equally beautiful. I allowed myself a couple of seconds’ breather, giving the nausea a few moments to abate. Then I turned my back to the wind and headed for home. Amazing! I bounded along feeling on top of the world! The wind pushed me along, making each stride at least a metre longer than it normally would be. The force of the wind felt so gentle, so comforting, and yet so incredibly powerful. I felt released from the intense struggle to reach that last post on the way out. My mind moved on to more recent events: Boyfriends letting me down badly. Facing redundancy. Facing up to a childless future. As I did so, I realised that none of those events had made me break my stride. Sure, they hurt. But everything that had happened before had made me strong. I was able to turn those negatives into positives: The boyfriends weren’t right for me, I was lucky to escape. Redundancy gives opportunity! And I’m not child-less, I’m child-free.
As I ran alongside the fence, I noticed the sun playing on the wire. It was reflecting at a constant point just a couple of metres ahead of me. I imagined it was an angel pulling me along, showing me the way. I could never catch up with that angel, but the sparkling encouragement was always there. How I enjoyed the feeling of freedom in my body, and in my spirit! As I approached the guest house, I marvelled at the effortless nature of my running at that one moment. Would I ever feel like that again? Was this what it felt like to be Paula Radcliffe? I had always felt that those of us running marathons in four hours plus were putting in far more effort than she did. The last part of the run was slightly uphill, and the effortless time had ended. There was something fitting about having to make one last strong effort. I burst through the doors telling my pals what an incredible run I’d had. “The wind was so amazing! I could hardly move on the way out, and then floated home! I can’t tell you how fantastic it felt!”
Their reaction stunned me. There was polite acknowledgement ranging to plain disinterest. I was horribly disappointed for a few moments. And then it dawned on me. The world is divided into four categories: “Non-Runners Who Don’t Run” have no idea what they’re missing. They think they’re happy reading magazines and chilling out. “Non-Runners Who Run” are reasonably sporty and occasionally run as a punishment to improve their fitness. Running hasn’t reached their soul. “Runners Who Don’t Run” have let life get in the way of their training. Often for good reasons I suppose, but they’ve lost sight of the incredible benefits running gives you, physically, mentally, emotionally. “Runners Who Run” can’t imagine giving up. There are times when it’s hard, sure, but it toughens you to ride out the hard times and enjoy the happy times when they come. That weekend happened to be spent with great friends, but all from the first three categories. I am so grateful to be in the fourth.
Comments
Makes me want to go running
Sheila Martin Tuesday, August 08, 2006 02:24:41 PM
Great story - still not sure what category I am though!
Jackie Cadman Tuesday, August 08, 2006 02:58:31 PM
As a non-runner who runs I'm inspired to open my eyes to my surroundings!
Adrian Smith Tuesday, August 08, 2006 04:09:39 PM
tells me what I have missed by not being a runner... Vera Berger
Vera Berger Tuesday, August 08, 2006 07:08:00 PM
Excellent. I can sooo relate to this.
Serena Davie Wednesday, August 09, 2006 01:51:52 AM
WOW - Sarah this is truly inspiring and truly beautiful - and it made me cry. I am definitely a Non-Runner who Runs (all be it very rarely!!) - but I just love the way you have used running to help you overcome and come through in life. Keep on running...
Lisa Finch Wednesday, August 09, 2006 08:31:43 AM
I'm definitely a non-runner who doesn't run but such a fantastic story actually made me wish I was a runner. I don't think I ever will be, but at least I can begin to appreciate what makes you runners go out in all weathers when the rest of us are curled up inside with a cup of tea! Sarah - when's the book coming out?
Stephanie Hill Wednesday, August 09, 2006 08:50:15 AM
A really moving description of how running helps to resolve your conflicts, feeds your soul and inspires you to run towards a positive future. Loved it!
Coralie Padgett Wednesday, August 09, 2006 09:17:59 AM
Fantastic! I aspire to be a runner who runs if thats how it makes you feel. Keep writing!!
Sharon Spink Wednesday, August 09, 2006 09:24:10 AM
Inspirational ! Where are my trainers .....
John Dinwooodie Wednesday, August 09, 2006 09:36:56 AM
Put me in the non runner who cycles category - well done on a great piece...
Ben Simmons Wednesday, August 09, 2006 09:46:12 AM
Very moving, I wish I could move out of the Runners Who Don’t Run category.
Dan Simmons Wednesday, August 09, 2006 10:56:15 AM
I always thought that runners must be brave people - - this proves it - - writing that must have hurt. Thank you - from a non-runner who stumbles (5th category)
Colin Weedon Wednesday, August 09, 2006 06:45:32 PM
Even non-runners who USED to run can take something away with them from this story
Leroy Soutar Wednesday, August 09, 2006 07:39:08 PM
Sarah - a moving story, beautifully written. Am trying desperately to rejoin the ' Runners who run' category. I agree completely about the enormous benefits of running.
Cathy Ison Thursday, August 10, 2006 08:08:41 AM
Made me want to get out my Asics Gel Lites. Lovely story Sarah.
Iain Kellet Thursday, August 10, 2006 03:54:39 PM
A truly beautiful and inspiring story. This has reminded me of the importance of looking after your fitness and wellbeing, even when times are tough. Keep writing.
Fiona Styles Thursday, August 10, 2006 08:23:08 PM
Wow - what a story! Well done and thanks for sharing it, must be hard to sit and write those things down. Great story and can't wait for the book! I am definitely a non-runner who runs - maybe beach running would unlock that....
Tamsin Jones Friday, August 11, 2006 02:49:29 PM
I'm a confirmed non runner who doesn't run but your story still inspired me! Written from the heart and very moving. Well done.
Claire Milsom Friday, August 11, 2006 10:53:28 PM
A truely moving story, and very brave of you for sharing it. Some say they get bored running, but there's just so much to think about and sort out, couldn't get bored. I hope to stay in the Runners who run catagory, see you on Sunday for a 10 miler!
Anushka Howell Saturday, August 12, 2006 12:37:07 PM
Very inspiring, If my knees could stand up to the pounding I would take up running. Life moves on and we deal with issues in our own way I hope that other poeple read this and feel that there is life after advisity and want to make a change for the better.
Ray Mills Saturday, August 12, 2006 03:37:37 PM
Hello Sarah Really enjoyed your article and like you in times when I have got things on my mind running is a great escape. I am also sure some lucky man will cross your path one day if he can catch you up.Hail Hail
JIM CHRISTIE Saturday, August 12, 2006 06:21:43 PM
I enjoyed your story and can relate. . . not to the running because I don't and haven't for many years. I do, however walk my 3.2 miles as many days of the week as I can and find it a good time to think, meditate, and relax and become one with nature, the outdoors. When I miss walking for a few days, I feel heavy and out of sorts. Good ideas and decisions happen on a walk/run. . . things are straightened out. Good article!
Beverly Throm Sunday, August 13, 2006 04:57:03 AM
As a non-runner who doesn't run (but a cyclist who occasionally cycles !)I was most impressed, and can relate to your emotions linked to the effort in running; a long hard slog and then, finally exhilaration with the wind behind you, a truely moving story.
John Gaunt Monday, August 14, 2006 08:28:18 AM
Inspired to pull on the trainers and stop pretending that walking the dog is almost as good as the real thing! Great story.
Judith Allsop Monday, August 14, 2006 09:56:16 AM
Superb. In the words of Bob: May you build a ladder to the stars, climb on every rung and may stay forever young...
Kate Roberts Monday, August 14, 2006 04:36:07 PM
As a non-runner who doesn't run (but a walker who walks frequently) I can appreciate the highs and lows. The challenge is to always remember the highs from the running to energise yourself when you hit the lows in your daily life ... and don't spend too much time looking backwards (especially when running). Nice piece, I never knew you had it in you.
Damian Kennedy Tuesday, August 15, 2006 09:59:24 AM
Reminded me of how running improves all round wellbeing - how quickly I have forgotten! Well done Sarah!
Annabel Tuesday, August 15, 2006 10:07:42 AM
I am amazed how many "non-runners" are reading this site. I think you should rename yourselves "aspiring runners". Lovely article Sarah - I think there will be fewer non-runners after this....
Catherine Gurney Wednesday, August 16, 2006 09:58:13 PM
Will be popping out for some meditation later today!
Simon Garner Saturday, August 19, 2006 12:19:05 PM
Great story.. from a runner who occasionnalmy runs...
Clarisse OSTER Saturday, August 26, 2006 06:53:21 AM
A very spiritual and uplifting piece. My favourite one. Only one criticism; did you mean 'a peek (as in a little look)at the next beach' rather than a peak? (as in the top)As a runner who is frantically fitting in a wee run here & there between work & studies etc. I think I qualify for every category of runner you cited in your piece!
Kate O'Brien Tuesday, September 05, 2006 08:13:33 PM
Yes, you're right - well spotted! And I'm normally a stickler for correct spelling and grammar! Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.
Sarah Strachan Wednesday, September 06, 2006 04:35:58 PM
A great piece of writing Sarah - have resigned myself to the 'non runners who run' category for a number of years now interspersed with my 'non fotballers who try to play football' moments!!
Nick Gill Sunday, September 24, 2006 06:38:21 PM