Notes from Steve

I’m in a 5k for the Drake Relays next Saturday morning.  I’m the slowest runner ever.  Like plod.  I’m part of a Facebook support group called “Slow AF Running Club” for slow runners*.  I can usually do my embarrassingly slow jogs in Des Moines on the bike trail (I don’t feel self-conscious because nobody knows me), but it’s geese season, so I don’t.**  So I’m “running” in Clarion … and if you see me - a thumbs up for encouragement would be nice.***

When we push ourselves, we typically amaze ourselves.  

On the Facebook page - the slow runner people who post are usually folks who haven’t run ever.  They find friends and supporters in others on the page.  “I never thought I could do this, but with your encouragement …”  Why don’t we do this more in life?  When I reflect on the times I was most successful, I question my motivation.  Was it because I was trying to prove a point?  Was it that I was encouraged?  I’d say a little of both - but when I was trying to prove a point, my energy was negative and charged.  When I was boosted by encouragement - my energy was positive.

Encourage someone.  Give them a thumbs up and make their day.

*In my mind, AF stands for “and fast,” so everyone can be a part of it.  
**I was telling a friend about my “training,” and they said, “Oh, where you are running? I saw a guy getting chased by a bunch of geese on that trail - yapping and nipping at him”.  Nope.  Nope. 
***I used to run by Rich’s house in Clarion on 1st Ave SE, and he’d always be in his yard saying, “Go faster.”  I’d yell back, “You come out here and show me how it’s done.”