“Running out loud”

Funny how we usually don’t think about our eyes when we run even though they guide us as we go. That changed for me last weekend when I met a blind runner.

I was with the Distance Divas, a marathon training group I belong to through the Colorado Columbines, an all women’s club here in Denver.  We were on the Highline Canal Trail, and there was he, this blind runner, with a female guide runner. She was leading him and they ran together a few feet apart tethered with harnesses.

Our group stopped to chat with him at a water stop. One of our runners wanted to get information about becoming a guide for him or other blind runners. He shared with us that he’d raced the Bolder Boulder, been featured in Runner’s World and was training for the Denver Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in October, just like us.

When we left him I was in awe. I couldn’t help but be inspired and note how adaptable we can be as human beings if we chose to be. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t able to run using his eyes, he was still able to “run out loud.” using his other senses and a guide.

He could still experience much of what we enjoyed that beautiful morning — feeling the summer heat crack through the canopy of shade trees; the wind blowing on our faces and the sweat of determination on our brows; the shifting of our muscles to crest rolling hills; and finding comfort in the voice of a friend as we ran. To me these things all symbolize the freedom and joy of running.

This chance meeting drove home for me that we all run on faith, be it literally like he does through the help of others, or figuratively, or through the Almighty if that is our belief.  In our everyday lives one never knows what will come next in our future. Our job, I think, is simply to keep moving forward as best we can and make the most of whatever we’ve been given.

Aging is inevitable, but growing old is a choice. Lace up your shoes, and let’s go.

Today’s a rest day, no miles; mileage from Denver to Boston logged: 463; 1306 left to go.   

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *