Is there a more inspiring sport than running?

I’ve shared previously about the joy of meeting inspiring people through running.

People who are inspiring because they run after character first, then success.

But since the Boston Marathon bombings I’ve been learning about some folk and their stories are fascinating. And not a gold medal amongst them.

 I’d like to introduce you to four ……

 Steve Spear

“If you had told me five years ago, when I was a complete non-runner, that I would be doing something like this, I would have said you are completely out of your mind."

 

That “something” is resigning from your job and having the courage to run 35 miles a day taking you from the west coast of America to the east. 5,219 kilometers. Raising $1.5m for clean water for 30,000 Kenyans.

 

That’s 120 marathons in total. At age 49. http://www.teamworldvision.org/runningforwater

http://support.worldvision.org/site/TR/TeamWorldVision/TeamWorldVision?fr_id=1931&pg=entry

  

Janji

“Our goal is not just to make great running apparel, but to make the world a better and healthier place through running. Running and giving go hand in hand.”

Mike Burnstein and Dave Spandorfer started a company to produce running gear using the color palettes inspired by the flags and countries the sale of this gear will support.

Mike lives in Boston and competed this year. After a 2:28 PB he wrote: “To me the Boston Marathon has always meant many things … many of these were ruined by Monday’s tragedy but after seeing heroism and compassion overcome fear, I have never seen the city closer.”

I’m lovin’ their gear. www.runjanji.com

 Ed Whitlock

“I don’t run solely for my health, I run for the sake of running will and will do for as long as I’m able.”
 

At age 82 I imagine myself enjoying hot chocolates whilst watching repeats of Richmond’s 20^th Premiership win.  Not so Ed Whitlock, a Canadian who at age 82 holds the marathon world record in his age group. His time 3:15:54. Wow.

He was the first person over 70 to break 3 hours and holds marathon and half marathon records in 70-74, 75-79 and 80-84. More impressively he stopped running and only took it back up again in his 40’s.

Looks like I’ll have to do more running and less couch sitting!

Dick and Rick Hoyt

“Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.”

I did meet Dick but I’ve since read much more of their story. This is their beautiful statue, unveiled in Boston last month.

As a parent, when you’re told that your son should be written off as a vegetable and institutionalized …. well, I can only begin to comprehend.  So when Dad says “lets go out and play” it means something very different for Dick and Rick. How about 240 triathalons, 6 ironmans, 92 half marathons and 70 marathons (including this year’s Boston).

 www.teamhoyt.com
 

So what can you take from these guys?

·         If you hate running, give it a try – you might even run across the country one day.

·         Think about your sport and connecting it to fair trade goods.

·         Take up running in your 40’s – and never think about giving up.

·         As a parent, never say never.

 

Andrew McKenzie
April 2013