"Beyond the very
extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never
dreamed ourselves to own; sources of strength never taxed at all because we
never push through the obstruction." -
William James
On
a chilly Saturday morning, about a year ago, I met two members of a local
running group called Run Georgina for the first time, and I joined them on a run. At the time, I recalled the old Groucho Max
maxim: "I would never want to belong to a club that would have me as a
member."
Actually,
never having joined a running group before, I didn’t know what to expect. I was
unsure if my athletic performance would measure up.
Fortunately,
the two Run Georgina members made me feel welcome. They accommodated my slow pace and even
stopped several times so that I could catch my breath. On that first run, we
completed a 10 km route along Lake Drive in Jackson’s Point. I have been a
runner for more than 15 years and have had great running partners, but running
with a group was a different experience altogether, and it felt
good.
Throughout
the winter and spring of 2018, one group run led to another, and another. Over
the past year, I have participated in more than 160 group runs and met other members
of Run Georgina, some of whom have become close friends. We have run in all
seasons, in single-track forests, on ice-covered lakes, in the pouring rain and
in the sweltering heat. There is something empowering about being outdoors and
running with friends – it produces a sense of community and belonging, and all
of life’s problems seem to fade away.
Reflecting
on the past year, I am proud to say that Run Georgina has become like my second
family, and I'm grateful to be part of such a congenial bunch. The
group has inspired me to improve my running fitness beyond what I thought
possible - to the point where I achieved a PB at a half marathon last October
(2:05). Plus, I’ve registered for my first 30 km race (Around the Bay) in March
and my first marathon in Toronto, in May. I'm not saying this to boast, but to
share with others the benefits of stepping out and getting involved. Making a
change in your life literally starts with taking that first step and, in this
case, taking it with fellow runners has made the journey incredibly fun and
enjoyable.
Starting
a new venture or stepping outside your comfort zone can be scary. But, never
let fear, apathy or age stand in your way: I'll be 60 this year, and I’ve never
been fitter in my life. I’m looking forward to achieving new running milestones
and helping others achieve theirs in the months and years ahead. Consistent
running produces many positive benefits for one's mental and physical health.
In my case, increasing the frequency, distance and intensity of my runs (and
being part of a running community) has helped me cope with difficult personal
circumstances, enriched my life immeasurably and given me a deeper appreciation
for the sport.
Stacey Allison, the first female American climber to summit Mount Everest, once said,
“You find your talent, and see how far it will take you. You do what makes you
feel the most alive.” As you improve as a runner, and enjoy the fresh air, the
beautiful surroundings and the fellowship of other runners, it will make you
feel more alive.
For
solo runners who have never run with others before, or who have done so
sparingly, I urge you to make the effort to join a local running group. If you
are new to the sport, consider registering for a running clinic in your area. You
will form new friendships, enhance your health and enjoy the benefits of belonging to a wonderful
and supportive community.
Last,
but not least, a heartfelt thank you to three members of Run Georgina, in
particular: Celine Tallian for her inspiration, encouragement and
companionship; to Mike Bedley for his mentorship, feedback and wisdom; and to
Mike Carroll for his kindness, humour and friendship; and to the other members
of the group whom I’ve had to pleasure of befriending and running with over the
past 12 months and who have encouraged me to keep reaching for the stars: Sue
Noel, Valerie Garcia, Lorinda Mundy, Roger Mundy, Jason Girvan, Diana Scheddin,
Alex Cebrynski, Erin Eastman, Dwayne Rogers, Andrew Rae, Robin Brunet, Gillian
Hanlon, Robert Marinzel, Blair Aeiou-y, Sandi Porter-Thornton, Jeremy McLeod,
Jeff Kloosterman, Lisa Groves Leask, Nathan Liss, Amy McIntyre, Sorin Petri, Barbara
Wojdylo-Prud'homme, Tom Wilson, Ian Barron, Jim Willett, Esther Burger, MC Pace
and Judy Breadner Colley.
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