This past weekend, I experienced the most memorable and impactful running experience of my life. I had the privilege and honor to toe the line at the Western States Endurance Run. This race is the oldest 100-mile race in the country, and probably the most widely-known and highly regarded. This point-to-point course that stretches from Lake Tahoe south to Auburn, CA is rugged, beautiful, and unforgettable. I'll certainly be sharing more about the logistics and outcome of the race (spoiler- I finished!) in future writing, but I wanted to reflect on something a bit more fundamental today.
As my race unfolded, and I encountered folks from all walks of life along the course, at aid stations, and at the finish line, it reminded me of the power of human potential and endurance. We often attribute amazing athletic accomplishments to the raw talent or hard work of the individual, and these factor to be sure. However, I think it's also about removing barriers to engagement.
I certainly put in countless hours training and preparing for the race, but I also had a great many advantages that allowed me to do that. The barriers were removed and I was simply allowed to do something I loved. I put in the work because I could. I had the time. I had the family support. I had the community support. I had the financial means (running may be a "cheap" sport but ultra-running is not). All of these privileges were not gifts, but simply opportunities that everyone should have to be able to pursue their dreams, whatever they might be. Unfortunately, we know that is not the case.
Human beings are amazing creatures, capable of so much beauty and so much greatness, when they are just given the chance to do so. I witness that amazing capacity every time I line up at the start of the race, and as I meet people with such widely different stories. For as much talk about opportunity as we have in this country, we still seem to be afraid to take down the barriers and let folks show us what they are truly capable of. Imagine the kind of endurance, creativity, leadership, and ingenuity we'd experience if we did that. Taking down that wall is giving someone an opportunity to do the work. Given the chance, most folks will surprise you. Everyone has their own "Western States" inside them, if we allow it to come out. Relentless forward progress...now get out of the way.
"Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us."
Wilma Rudolph