Happy National Running Day! I don’t believe I’m here working today. That’s dedication. You think Santa Claus works on Christmas or Dr. Ruth works on Valentine’s Day? I didn’t think so. But I’m here, working for you. Well, you and Running. I love her and try to treat her well. Everyday is National Running Day in my house.
Yesterday I came across a cool Time magazine interview with Chris McDougall, ultramarathon runner and writer. In it he discusses his new book, Born to Run, along with some misconceptions about running and the simple running techniques of the Tarahumara Indians. Sorry, Chris, but you’re a little late to the Tarahumara Indian party bro. I think there may still be some peace pipes lying on the floor somewhere though.
The quote in the interview with Chris McDougall that struck me the most was, “You won’t find a 4 year-old on this planet that doesn’t like to run. Why? Because they haven’t been told it’s a workout.” It’s so true. Once you are told something is work you don’t enjoy it. Well let me tell you now, running is not work. I run because I love it and I think you should too. You already have a job, why create more work for yourself?
I encourage you on this day of celebration to get out there and run. That’s all that National Running Day is about. Well, that and an excuse for the running industry to push running and running related products to you. Note: SeriousRunning.com is included in the running industry; so check out our trail runs, races, running shoe reviews, mapping tool, and much more! That’s right, I just linked “much more.” We all know that Hallmark rules the world anyway. Stop trying to fight it. I bet you spent over 10 dollars this morning getting all of your “Happy National Running Day” cards before work (not to be confused with running, which is not work). I chose a card that said, “Let’s go running together!” And on the inside it reads, “I know of some great Trails to run that will make you Happy!” Love, Chris Barber, HeadRunner, SeriousRunning.com. Hold on to that signature. It’ll appreciate.
The thing that I also like about Chris McDougall is that he is a social runner. We are all runners. No matter what our abilities are. We just like to run and share that with each other. He talks about an ultra marathon race in which racers stopped to help a competitor that was ill. What other sport are you going to find that? In baseball they recently chastised an opposing team dugout for bracing an opponent that was about to fall on his head catching a fly ball. In football players talk about wanting to inflict pain on each other. In basketball, players even jump in the stands to fight with fans, Mr. Ronnie Artest. Running isn’t that way. Every hard fought race I have ever run the competitors have given each other high fives afterward and talk about, “Man, I was dieing on that uphill. Way to charge up it.” Once I even told another runner I was racing against on a 10K trail race, “Dude, I went out way too fast. I was dieing on mile 2 but when I heard you gagging like you were throwing up I knew I at least wasn’t as bad off as you. So I tightened up my breath and passed you.” Running is cool like that. Maybe that’s the difference between runners and other athletes. All of us are hurting. All of us are pushing ourselves to the limit. You have to respect that even if you are competitors. No matter if you limit is a 25 minute 5K or a 30 minute 10K, you are still pushing yourself to the max.
That is what National Running Day is to me. Pushing yourself to run to the Max. Not to be confused with running to the burger restaurant on ‘Saved by the Bell.’ Although, when the teacher pops a test and you know you’re in a mess because the dog ate all your homework last night. Write a note in your chair that says, ‘I’m going for a run’ and trust me, everything will be alright. Running will make you feel better, even if you aren’t as fast as Zach Morris. So get out there are celebrate National Running Day by just running, Screech Powers.