Are runners better people?

11/22/13

This is a safe place to vent and rant right?

I mean its not like its publishing to the world or anything...  So, let me use this safe little space to get some thoughts off my chest.

Most of you, my friends know that I am more of a cynic than an optimist.  I do believe people are rightly governed by self interest and self perseverance.  I think of it as human nature.  That is not to say we are not capable of performing extraordinary selfless acts.  But recent events has pushed me further to believe some people are inherently decrepit, cowardly, and just bad.  (they obviously don't run!)

In bad I mean they do things not only to pursue their advancement but they do so IN ORDER to relish in the destruction of others.  Sometime, we (myself included) do things for our own agenda at the cost (or at some cost) to others.  I am not innocent of this but I try my best so that my benefits can be gained without cost (or minimal cost) to others.  However, I cannot comprehend why, and will not stand for those who act to harm others for the sake of hurting other.  What I've recently witness and experienced can only be described as an act of evil.

The incident has since been declared "closed" and without going into specifics, I will just say that at least I know where the enemies lie.  And that is a great thing.  I do not forget.  Oh yeah, my friends also know that I never "turn the other cheek." I did not back down to the bullies.  I have fought hard not to stoop down to their level but my enemies can expect no favors from me in the future.

That brings me to the question of "are runners better people?"

(how many times have you waved to another runner on the road, and if he/she didn't wave or acknowledge you, you said to yourself "he's not a real runner"????)

Last weekend I had the honor of pacing a friend at a local 100M ultra race.  What I experienced there is what I've always experienced in the ultra community...  that grit, determination, pure will...  BUT wrapped inside is unity, kindness, selflessness, and comradery.  The fellow runners on the trial, the volunteers at the aid stations, and all the spectators who lent their support showed the kind of respect and love that we should all have for one another.  Well, isn't that strange?!

After all, this is a race right?  I mean there are still first place finisher and last place finisher right?  YES.  But to us runners, its not all that matters.  While I cheer and admire the runners up front at races, I've seen the front runners encourage the back-of-packers just the same.  That is the beauty of our sport.  It seems everybody wins. Does that mean we are a bunch of non-competitive pansies?  You better think twice before you answer that question.  Remember, we torture ourselves over 26.2M, 50M, and even 100M for fun...  These are some of the most competitive and toughest MF's I've ever met.

So how is it possible that this group of competitive, tough sons-of-guns are also the nicest, humble, welcoming, and inspiring people I've met?  Now, some of you will say, I know so-and-so runner and he is a real asshole.  In fact, some of you may think I am an asshole.  That all maybe true but I think as a whole, runners ARE better people.  Think back to the Boston Marathon bombing of this year and recall all  those runners who ran towards the blast in order to help those who were hurt.  Think if the same thing happened in your workplace, how many of your co-workers would do the same.  CONVERSELY, I've never seen a runner purposely hurt another runner out on the race for no damn reason.

My experience tells me without a doubt, "yes, runners are better people."  I have no scientific proof and I do not know if good people gravitates towards a sport like running or running makes one a better person.  Maybe it is a bit of both, and maybe it really doesn't matter.  The fact that so many runners that are great people often makes me try to be a better representative for the running community.  Even if I do not perform life saving deeds, it makes me want to at least treat other runners with respect and kindness.

(queue rainbow and music)  The world would be a better place if there were more runners.  Lets get out there, run hard and respect one another.


one race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff