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Something to Think About...Rick Draves (Issue #1)

I often wonder why I continue with the sometimes struggles and pains of running. Having to wake up very early on the weekends for a race; sweat dripping from my face on hot humid days or frost bite toes of icy cold days; the feelings like having to throw up or the burning of lungs from running hard; those moments where running creates self doubt; or just simply tired sore muscles. I know there are health benefits of running, but that isn't enough in this world of instant convenience. I do appreciate the value received for that feeling of accomplishment, the network of friends, and the sheer joy of having the wind blow back your hair with the freedom of running wild like an innocent child. Yet as I think about running and why I continue, there seems to be something even more important. You don't need to agree with me...but for me...today, this is "Something to Think About..."

Often runners can be perceived by others as being a bit over zealous. Maybe because running in itself can almost be a form of religion, whereas a Sunday long run can be like a service of your faith. It brings introspection, often a sense of community, joy from partaking, and yes, guilt from missing. If you look even more closely, however, running maybe just a reflection of the essence of life in itself.

The easiest way to introduce this concept is to look at the parallels of life with running a race. You start out with high expectations, proceed with strength and confidence, encounter struggles and pains in the journey, fight to hang in there, and at last, your meaning comes to you as you cross the finish line. And as in life, sometimes you get external awards from your efforts. Yet every runner knows, true success is not measured by what you receive, but what you gave of yourself on that day. Well, isn't that what life is about.

For me...I like to think of a God who lives within us as opposed to the more popular version of externally looking down on us. I think because when you put something outside yourself, then it is too easy to make excuses and too easy to blame. Living within, actually makes it a whole lot harder because it forces you to make decisions to be more Godlike. Any sin then is a result of not truly listening to your heart, which usually involves electing an easier way.

Sometimes when I go out for a run I think, "Boy, maybe lying on the couch with a bag of Doritos watching reruns of sitcoms I've seen before is what I should be doing." Something, however, makes me listen to something from inside and it's not the easiest choice, but the one requiring hard work that is the answer. And at that time, I think about life and love. Inevitable, to genuinely show love for another involves sacrifice and effort. I think about taking care of a sick parent, listening to a friend's complaints, helping your child with his homework, or taking your dog for a walk. I think of all the ways to extend oneself, maybe not in your best interest, but for the benefit of making another's life better. It is in those moments when we really do elevate ourselves. Yet, why is it that we often move away from the right choice or our conscious or Love or God in the direction of our own ego or what's best for me or how much can I get for the least amount of effort. Maybe the pleasure we ultimately seek is in the often more difficult hard effort needed for the right choice we know that is inside us.

And then maybe in some small way I think about going out for that run and the effort and sacrifice from trying that will result. Running, although not love for another, reminds me of love for that God within. It reminds me of the joys of struggles for lessons to be learned, which leads to the purpose of life itself. Somehow, it shows me who is really in this body; a soul in a battle with an ego. And as I start to run, I think about compromise and not giving this run one hundred percent. I think about making the easy choice and not the right choice. And then...I think of the God within, I think about Love...and I start to run harder.