Sometimes when I blog about what running has meant to me, I think I may come across as someone who thinks that everyone should run. I apologize if that's been the case.
As I reflect on my life as a runner, I am so thankful to God for this sport. I have run for charity. I have run for fitness. I have run for health. I have run for the comradery it provides. The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can have a profound effect on so many areas of life. Yes, running can hurt -- running a marathon isn't painless -- but it can also heal. As you know, I began to run after my wife passed away. I know many runners who have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their lives because they became runners.
That said, there is no activity in life that works for everyone. Walkers are athletes too. So are cyclists. Some people at my gym do water exercises in the pool. They are mostly the elderly. They are no less athletes than anyone else.
As humans, we were created to do, not just to be. Each of us must have our own mountain to climb, even if it's no bigger than an anthill. I don't believe that running is the only option out there. You simply need something that challenges you.
Just wanted to make that clear :-)