disneyrunnergrl
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2020
- Messages
- 212
SAFD:
Little mermaid
Beauty & the beast
Toy story
Up
Enchanted
Mary poppins
GOTG
Rogue one
Little mermaid
Beauty & the beast
Toy story
Up
Enchanted
Mary poppins
GOTG
Rogue one
There’s a park I run regularly. Folks come and go; lots of new faces every week, as I live in a very touristy area. But there’s maybe 10-15 of us regulars who see each other if not weekly, then at least a couple times each month. Been like that for more than a decade. In that time, we’ve all aged, of course, and some no longer run, but are out there walking. One moved to a bike. Another I only see sporadically and he limps with a walker now. We don’t know each others’ names, have never spoken more than a brief hello, or comment on how stupidly hot it is. But we smile and nod or wave every time we see each other. We’re genuinely happy to see one another every time. And the joy of that is something I’m at a loss to put into words. It’s entirely possible some of them are terrible people who would despise me if they knew anything about me or vice-versa… but when we’re out there doing the thing we love, we’re a united community. I love that so much.I have been running for 40+ years - a sub-4 hour marathoner for much of that (father time does take his toll). But the running community has always been one of the most inclusive and supportive communities that I have ever been around. To be honest, that is the only reason that I run in races - to interact with that special group of human beings.
I don't know why people in general have become so angry, but it has creeped into every aspect of our lives - including the running community. It is sad to see, and for so many reasons that are far more impactful than runDisney races. I suspect that what we are seeing here is just an extension of that.
I am a very optimistic person. I believe that the pendulum will swing toward love again soon. Until then, live, love and find joy where you can.
I started running in 2003, I had stopped smoking after decades of 20+ a day and it probably saved my life or extended it by many years. I signed up for the WDW marathon having never run before and had a year to train. I told everyone I was doing it because I knew I would have to stay off the cigarettes to do it and it kept going as I didn't want the embarrassment of not following through, it was only because it was Disney I decided to do it.I have been running for 40+ years - a sub-4 hour marathoner for much of that (father time does take his toll). But the running community has always been one of the most inclusive and supportive communities that I have ever been around. To be honest, that is the only reason that I run in races - to interact with that special group of human beings.
I don't know why people in general have become so angry, but it has creeped into every aspect of our lives - including the running community. It is sad to see, and for so many reasons that are far more impactful than runDisney races. I suspect that what we are seeing here is just an extension of that.
I am a very optimistic person. I believe that the pendulum will swing toward love again soon. Until then, live, love and find joy where you can.
I’m fortunate enough to have a really awesome 9+ mile (and growing!) rail trail right down the street from me. Much like you, I see the same people all the time and we have never really exchanged anything more than a quick “good morning.” When I don’t see one of the regulars I worry about them. I always wonder if anyone worries about me when I’m not there.There’s a park I run regularly. Folks come and go; lots of new faces every week, as I live in a very touristy area. But there’s maybe 10-15 of us regulars who see each other if not weekly, then at least a couple times each month. Been like that for more than a decade. In that time, we’ve all aged, of course, and some no longer run, but are out there walking. One moved to a bike. Another I only see sporadically and he limps with a walker now. We don’t know each others’ names, have never spoken more than a brief hello, or comment on how stupidly hot it is. But we smile and nod or wave every time we see each other. We’re genuinely happy to see one another every time. And the joy of that is something I’m at a loss to put into words. It’s entirely possible some of them are terrible people who would despise me if they knew anything about me or vice-versa… but when we’re out there doing the thing we love, we’re a united community. I love that so much.call them my “running friends.” Same as you said, I’ve never exchanged more than a quick “hello” with the vast majority of them. I worry when I don’t see some of them for awhile. I always wonder if they worry about me when I’m not out there.