Ask me why I run marathons and I'll give you two reasons. To qualify for the Boston Marathon and the medals. Pure and simple. And originally my answer was for the medals. The medal signifies months of work and a symbol of accomplishment. Ask anyone and they'll tell you that running 26.2 miles consecutively is not easy. The medal makes it all worthwhile for me.
I bring that up to bring this up. Perhaps the highest honor I've received in running to date has not been a medal. It hasn't been the satisfaction of completing a race. No, today I was bestowed with my highest honor to date. As a paying member of the Indiana (PA) Road Runner's Club for a few years I originally joined because I met some of the members at a local road race. I figured perhaps I'd enjoy going out to Indiana on occasion and participating in club runs. It never happened. But what I found was that the cost of membership (only $12 annually) was well worth the newsletters that include race results, stories from members and notification of upcoming races. I occasionally will trek out to Indiana for a race, but have yet to become fully active in terms of participating in club runs or club functions.
In March, the annual club banquet was held the same weekend I was in Indianapolis, IN refereeing hockey. I recall thinking that maybe I'd go to the banquet but my reffing plans stood in the way as usual. What I did not know until receiving the monthly newsletter today was that I was named the Most Improved Male Runner. I am truly honored. I have no idea how these things are voted on or who has a say but I feel as though my running has spoken volumes enough to be considered for such an honor.
When I shared this news with some coworkers today they asked me what the award was. I told them Most Improved Male Runner. But what they meant was what "physically" was the award. A certificate? A plaque? A medal? I had no answer. And despite my drive to win medals and focus on the physical aspect of running I truly didn't think of it that way. And unlike when I cross the finish line, like I will this Sunday I am not looking for the physical award. I know that I have been honored to be chosen and that truly is enough. I don't need to have a symbol. Perhaps I'm thinking of race medals in the wrong way too?
On second thought......I'll take that medal. And seriously, I wish to thank the Indiana Road Runners Club (even if none of them read this) for what I believe is a high honor for someone who only began running just 6 years ago at the ripe age (tongue in cheek of course) of 31. I am truly honored.
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