Yesterday was global running day. The wildfires in Canada delivered their smoke and particulate matter to the skies overhead with vigor and the air quality slowly diminished during the day as the haze took hold of the sky and news reports warned people to stay indoors to avoid health complications. After work, I met up with a group of friends for a short workout as I do every Wednesday evening. We bagged the intended track workout in favor of a less vigorous and more conversational run so as not to completely feast on the buffet of black carbon floating in the air. In the process, I logged my 2757th straight day of running at least a mile.
The run streak started on a bit of a whim, and after a month or so, it just became normal and I became committed to maintaining it. I've run in airports, hobbled for a mile after 100 mile races, limped around the track on a swollen ankle, and pushed myself outside despite Covid and other fever-inducing ailments. I won't deny that some of those runs might have been ill-advised, but the streak has a life of it's own at this point, and I have no reason to stop.
When I stop to reflect on the last seven and a half years of running, a few things stand out. The epic adventures and amazing locations, the lonely nights, the hallucinations, and the amazing sunrises are all etched into my memories. More than those views or the medals and buckles I've received, however, I remember the connections. I remember the conversations I've had amidst some of the most mundane and some of the most absurd of circumstances. I remember sharing a few miles here and there with so many interesting, passionate, committed, and diverse people.
Global Running Day is an opportunity to celebrate the sport and all those who choose to lace up their shoes and head out into the unknown, whether that be their neighborhood, or the most remote parts of the world. It's also about celebrating the fact that running brings people together and connects them in a very unique way. It builds community.
Running is about community and connection. It is a needed reminder that we aren't alone and that we have the capacity to come together when we truly care about something. It's a recognition that we are all connected to each other and connected to the land we stride across each and every day.
Many folks may argue that running is an independent and solitary sport. However, anyone who's ever been a part of a running group, or toed the line at a local trail or ultra race knows that running is the ultimate team sport. We are all invested in seeing each other succeed and that commitment fuels the training. One of the greatest joys and reasons why I run, beyond the connection to the natural world, is the connection to other human beings. Running makes for fast friends, and there are few off-limit topics out on the trail. There are few problems that can't be solved by sharing a few miles with someone.
If you ever want to go for a run, I'll always be game to share a few miles. Who knows what we might figure out.
