At a recent dinner conversation, the topic came up of why I practice long distance running as my sport of choice. It was mentioned that, generally, people who are competitive, focused, determined and ambitious choose individual sports...because they are not good team players, but they can be good leaders. The conversation took me back twenty something years to a time in my life when I was both struggling to define my identity and vulnerable. A person I looked up to, a father figure, challenged me for not being a good team player. Not sure what he based his accusation on but that phrase played in my head for many years to come and would become especially loud during team building efforts. In some ways I may have risen to that label and chosen to work alone for fears of failing my team. My discipline and proactivity favored me in leadership roles so I generally assumed those. But I didn't know at the time that I could, also be a good team player.
What constitutes a leader? Judy Rossi, author "Raising Responsible Children" states: "The essence of leading...is 'others first'" She urges us to consider Christ's leadership: "He didn't lead by dominating; He led by serving. He didn't save by another's sacrifice but by His own." So in other words, a leader should be concerned with the least of his group and make sure he/she is not left behind. Mark 9:35 says "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." So if runners can be leaders and leaders are by essence team players, does that mean runners can be team players? My experience has shown me exactly that. Runners can be excellent leaders and team players, it just depends on the circumstances and a seasoned runner knows how to differentiate.
I began running during my senior year in high school, during a transitive time characterized by very high stress. Running was my release. I wasn't fast, I wasn't one of the better runners in the team, I was probably the worst, but it didn't matter. The competition was always with myself, on how I could overcome the challenges, on how I could beat a personal record, on how I could sometimes just finish a race, that alone was an accomplishment. At the same time running enabled me to deal with all my stressors in my life and the stamina I built logging miles transferred to other areas, propelling me and keeping me strong for the long days ahead. But it was something I mostly did alone. I call this the early phase of my running journey.
After high school I stopped racing and just ran for fun. Yes. I said it. I ran for fun. I looked forward to any opportunity to lace my shoes and hit the pavement for as long as I could go, without any idea of where I would go. Every run was spontaneous. This is the phase of no watches, water bottles, sweat wicking clothes or fancy tennis shoes. I just ran. And I loved it. I ran in my lunch hour at work, I ran from my office home, I ran while my party guests slept on my kitchen floor after a long night of... too much fun! I ran to release tension, to get a good cry, to find a quiet spot and sit for a few minutes and catch my breath. I ran to familiarize myself with my surroundings, to appreciate the beauty of a tree lined street that is often missed as we zoom by in our cars. I ran while holding a cup of coffee (I do not recommend) and with too many grocery bags after a quick stop at the market. I ran for the joy of it. This is the epic part of my running life. But still a lonely endeavor.
Running has remained an integral part of my life. It is both where I lose and find myself. These days I carry a watch, a water bottle and I typically know the route and/or the distance I'm going to go. I wear running appropriate clothes (though not the latest models), good tennis shoes (a must!) and I'm all too cognizant of my pace. I have trained for an done a few races, worked on my pace, and realized some improvements. I've also overcome some challenges and continue to discover new things about myself. Nowadays I crave running in good company, sharing the road and journeying together. During the same dinner conversation we discussed the topic of personal victories. I mentioned that my victories are measured daily during my training, and that race day is not where I put all my eggs. Generally, I prefer to run a race in good company rather than focusing on pace. And given the choice, I don't leave my company behind. This also transfers in other areas of my life.
I guess I've entered the seasoned runner phase. I can handle that.
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