Yesterday on my run, I saw something that has had me thinking. I was following this woman running. We were keeping a pretty good pace but nothing that would have you hating life. Anyway, we came across a father and her daughter (maybe 7) that were running together.
You could tell the little girl was excited to be running, excited to be out on the trail. She held out her hand, looking for a high five. The woman in front of almost went out of her way to not give the girl a high five. I reached out and we slapped hands. I saw her face light up and she smiled at her dad.
I just got a little upset and ashamed. When did we become so serious about our sport that we couldn't celebrate it? Maybe it's just me and maybe it's because I'm a mother of two kids that I HOPE decide they want to run some day. Whatever the reason, I will always high five, I will always slap hands. There are just somethings that are more important than run itself.
What would you have done? Be honest.
Give the High 5! I used to be Mr. Serious on my runs until I started logging miles with my running buddy. He used to say hi to everyone we passed, runner, walker, biker, whatever. I saw how cool that interaction was. Well, Ben and his family have moved out of state, but I now say hi to everyone I come across out on my runs. You never know where someone is at, but a friendly smile or interaction can't hurt. You might make a kid's day, or be an encouragement to that overweight person who may look out of place but is really trying to change their life. Once I offered to push a guy in his wheelchair up a small hill. He declined, but I talked and walked with him for about 30 seconds up the hill. You know what? The interaction inspired ME. Pumped ME up. I flew home those last couple of miles that day. Running is such an individual sport, but offers us the chance to have random impacts on others, and we should take advantage of them! This is so true with kids. They need to be encouraged, feel good, pumped up about being out and active! @jcouvy
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! High 5!
DeleteAwwww that is adorable! You are right, I bet your high 5 did make the girls day, and I bet that girl will be a runner for life.
ReplyDeleteOkay, honesty time for me.....as I am an elite, my running is a HUGE part of my life, and it is even considered my career at this point in time. If I was on a recovery/regular run, I would definitely have High 5d, but if I was in a workout, my eyes are dead set in front of me, and I would not have even noticed her....hope that doesn't make me a bad person, but my focus takes over!
Great perspective Tina! I can definitely see that!
DeleteHigh 5, for sure!!! I like being a serious runner but I love when kids are involved, too. But maybe that's because I'm a mom? :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteGeeez! No doubt, I'd give her a high 5 and a Cheeeeewhoooo! maybe even a "get it gurl!".
ReplyDeleteThat would be awesome!
DeleteI would have totally high fived her and commented at how AWESOME she was for being out there with her Dad! :)
ReplyDeleteI would've run with her if I could've
DeleteDefinitely high-5. I need the love that folks give me when I run (or do anything). I have struggled this past year & running means a lot to me - and I only have the time if I push my girls in our double stroller. The kindness and encouragement shared on the path fuels me. Love wins.
ReplyDeleteSame here! Love wins!
DeleteDefinitely give the high five and prob say something to her like "you go girl".
ReplyDeleteConfessions of A Mother Runner
Yes to the high five!
DeleteAwww that is so cute, you probably made her day! I would definitely high five! No run is so important that you have to go out of your way to ignore everyone around you.
ReplyDeleteI hope I did!
DeleteI know what you mean! They just want to be encouraging and it makes kids so happy to just get a little high five. Even in my marathons, I always give a high five if I'm on the edge of the course and they have their hand out. No exceptions. If you are taking your run super serious, power to you, but for me, bringing joy to someone else is always more important than cutting a few seconds off my time.
ReplyDeleteI want these young runners to see that we all love running!
DeleteI would have given her a high five too. When I see kids at races with their little hands held up, waiting for a runner to give them a high five, I try my best to get them. I know how excited my little ones would be about it so hopefully I can make them happy, even if only for a minute or two.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
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