Thursday, December 13, 2007
Running in its Proper Place
In a previous post, I stated that "For many runners, running is more than an activity, it is a part of our identity." I think that this is true, and that this isn't necessarily a bad thing. It is good because it helps motivate us to continue to run, to persevere through injuries, bad weather, boredom, and whatever else life brings that makes it more difficult to continue to run. However, I wonder about the danger of making running a core part of our identity, if this entails that our overall happiness and well-being are dependent upon being able to run. Injuries, other health issues, and a variety of other things could prevent one from running, even permanently. And while running is a passion of mine, I don't think that losing it would prevent me from living a full and meaningful life. Of course, this sort of risk is unavoidable. For example, many of us find our identity in our relationships (spouse, significant other, parent) and those are always at risk. What is the lesson here? I have some thoughts about this, but would enjoy hearing what others think, so feel free to post your ideas in the comments.
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2 comments:
To me life is about balance. I think I would be devastated if I was unable to run again, but I also know that it is a passion that has been given to me and has helped sustain me as I've moved around the country. It is a constant in my life. Yet, there are other more important constants, my relationship with God, my wife, my other family. I am often reminded that I need to take perspective and place each where it belongs.
I think I would grieve for a time and then hopefully persevere and find new passions.
I agree with the balance comment, but I also feel that that the only things worth much in life are things that have to potential to hurt when they're taken away.
I have a chunk of my identity wrapped up in being a runner- were that taken away from me I wouldn't be the same person. I'm sure it would be a difficult and depressing time. But I also feel I'd have the strength of character to overcome and perhaps be a better person for it.
But the benefits of running far outweigh the costs, so I'll keep doing it till I can't anymore. Hopefully not long before I die- unless I happen to die during a run. That would be a fine way to go! :)
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