by W. Robert Reardon 05/16/03
(This article was published in the
Boca Raton Road Runners Club newsletter.)
If membership to the Boca Raton Road Runners Club was confined to only those who win races or their age group, we would have a small (but certainly respectable) membership. However, we don't and our membership embraces a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ages and abilities, and goals and desires. While there may be some for whom winning is their goal, for most of us there has to be another purpose for our running. In some cases, it might be to help us be a better tennis player or hiker. For others, it might be to offset that extra slice of apple pie or generous helping of mashed potatoes. No matter our reason, I doubt any of us do running or walking for no purpose (enjoyment is certainly a valid purpose).
Now returning to the Boca Runners Club after a 15 year absence, I reflected upon this the other day. At my best, in the early 1980s, I was consistently at the bottom of the top third finishers in the races. Obviously, my trophy case is empty except for an occasional "finishing" certificate. So I never ran for the joy of victory but I rarely suffered the agony of defeat. It was as if the middle pack of the race swept me along as would a tide. No wonder I looked at the back of the same running shorts for many years. So I, like many of us, have to run for some reason other than the winning of a trophy.
Generally, I place running within a larger context. For example, I contend that no matter what other activity I engage in, I can do it better because I do running. The fitness and sense of accomplishment which come from running carries over into my work, my writing, my percussion, and my quality of life. I can listen to a concert in the evening feeling great because I know I had a good workout that day. So why, may you ask, did I take 15 years off from running and from the Boca Runners Club.
Well, I got sidetracked like many of us do. We begin to focus on work and career, travel and entertainment, money and investments. Initially, we miss a workout or two. Then we begin to miss a race or two. Finally, we are so busy striving for whatever "success" is in life that we forget the success we had already achieved by running. Eventually, we end up as Mr. Waddle Down The Road taking up two lanes instead of the usual one.
That is when we return to our roots. By now I have probably made all the money I am ever going to make (and that is not a whole lot), reached the top of whatever level I am going to make at work (and that is not much above the valley), and achieved my level of competence in my various life activities (haven't quit my day job yet). So what is left to do ? Easy, just recapture the joy and excitement, fitness and health, accomplishment and success from running as I did 20 years ago as one of the original members and Board members of the Boca Raton Runners Club. Running is still available to me. My place in the middle of the pack is still open to me if I work hard enough. The finish line is still mine to cross.
At a time when several close friends of mine have recently passed away (heart attacks and cancer), my mother is transitioning to a skilled nursing facility, and I am realizing all too well my own mortality, isn't it wonderful that the Boca Runners Club opens its doors to a Mr. Waddle Down The Road such as myself and offers me the opportunity to recapture my life, make new friends, and recapture at least some of the essence of my youth.
Yes, it is time to put the shoes and shorts on and get going. See you soon at the races. Just wear nice looking shorts because I will be behind you !!
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