The Long Run
A microcosm of life...

As the dialogue has taken place regarding the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent runs it has been fun to contemplate why I run. Having run both the Marathon and the Ascent, I understood Matt Carpenter’s feelings expressed regarding the Peak runs. I must quickly add that I doubt that I will do the Marathon again for the very reasons Matt enjoys the challenge of running down the mountain and doing the complete marathon. As I said, I thought I understood, even empathized with what he was expressing, and I was in no way offended by his opinions.

Matt has been one of those Pikes Peak Road Runners who have inspired me by their example, words and encouraging manner through the years I have been participating in runs in the Springs area. There are many, many members of PPRR who consistently do that, and I am grateful for them. I feel privileged to even run in events in which Matt, other outstanding local runners as well as noted runners from other areas compete — they are at the front of the pack and me in the middle or back.

But why do I run — why do we run? I’m sure the answers are so varied that any one explanation could never begin to answer that. No doubt a lot has to do with what Carol Stewart called “unfinished business.” My husband and I started running in our 30s for the fitness benefits and never intended to get caught up with the “crazies” (this time using Larry Miller’s words from the same issue). Now running has become a part of our lives, and indeed there is an incompleteness or sense of “unfinished business” when it isn’t there.

For me, running — particularly a run and especially the long run — is a microcosm of life. The preparation and discipline required in being able to take part in a run seems to mirror the preparation and discipline needed to complete so many of the different aspects of life from work to relationships and other commitments. Sometimes a person doesn’t feel like doing it but keeps at it (for some unknown reason) and begins to see the building of strength or the completion of a task. Sometimes one does just finish, and in just finishing there is some type of accomplishment that many people will never sense. And then, sometimes, there is that PR or job well done that brings a very special sense of achievement that is beyond describing.

Most of all, the long run seems to emphasize the importance of people. It truly is an example of our all being “members of one body.” When a person arrives at the location of a run, it is evident that others have been planning and organizing long before the runners are there. (And, we think we get there early!) The route may be marked, water and other necessities available and the runners are usually greeted with enthusiasm. All during the run these volunteer workers are there to meet expected and unexpected needs or just to encourage us on.

The other runners in the race itself are also a significant part. There could be no “winners” without the rest of us behind them. I believe I made have heard Matt point that out when he received one of his usual first-place awards. Each runner has to “run his own race” — no one can do that for you — but the camaraderie and example of other runners is an encouragement and inspiration in itself. I’ve yet to have anyone at a run tell me that I’ve done other than a “great job,” and I’ve even heard special words that have kept me running when I thought I might not be able to continue. (That in itself is something I wish I would remember when dealing with other people in life.) And then there’s “The Voice” and cheering at the end of the run — the sign that the goal is near and, again, always greeting the runners coming in with words of “well done.” All this followed by exhaustion and excitement as runners and others at the race rev iew the run.

For me, the run is always agony, but afterwards I feel exhilarated at the accomplishment while vowing, “next time I’ll do a better job.” Running is both a “lonely” sport, as no one can run the race for you, and a sport that somehow ties us all together as we run toward the finish line in our different manners and at our different speeds but with each other and helped by others — much like life.

— Joyce McKelvey

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