Running in the suburbs in north Texas may not be as glamorous as running in areas with more elevation, but while we are "vertically challenged", there are definitely some things that I would consider to be benefits. One is that one is always relatively near an aid station/bathroom (a.k.a. gas station). Whether because this is the heart of oil country or because everyone around here seems to drive a vehicle that gets approximately 7 miles per gallon, it's hard to miss our abundance of service stations. Some are the size of small grocery stores and come in quite handy when one needs to make a pit stop and perhaps indulge a craving for spiced beef jerky. Another benefit of being a suburban runner is that there are usually other people around to give and receive greetings. Trails are often populated with other runners, walkers, dog walkers, folks on bikes, and young parents wheeling young children in strollers. For whatever reason it gives me a great deal of energy just being around other people when I am heading out for a run as friendly faces make the miles seem to fly by. And an added bonus to living here is the general lack of mountain lions (although residents should be careful because, well, you never know).
The running scene in these parts is also remarkably diverse. When trying to describe it to someone the best way to put it is that there is literally something for everyone. Runners fill the spectrum of races from the 5k up to marathons and beyond. On a few of my runs of late I have considered what a benefit it is to have so many different kinds of people from whom one can draw inspiration. Showing up to a local race and seeing hundreds if not a couple thousand runners toeing the line, each with their own goals and ambitions, hopes, and dreams is a wonderful testament to the sport I love so much. Whether these athletes know it or not it also serves as inspiration to so many others who may not quite be there yet but are trying their hardest to make a dream become reality.
I've had the good fortune to be around folks who get the chance to live their dream. I've seen it happen at a 5k's, marathons, and even at 100 milers. The one thing that I found that all of these amazing and inspirational people have in common is that one day they made a decision. They decided to act - to take a risk, to make a plan, and to get it done. Some overcame tremendous adversity. All worked very hard. And in the end, they were able to achieve something very special that no one will ever be able to take from them. I know it's not exclusively a "Texan" thing, but there's a certain sense of pride down here that goes along with getting the job done.
I know there are stories like this in cities and towns across the country, but I love my little corner of the world. The people here inspire me and encourage me. I meet new friends out on the roads and trails on what almost seems like a daily basis. There's beauty here and it's not just in nature (although there is plenty of that). So I guess rocking the suburbs isn't all that bad. What it lacks in glamour (and mountain lions) it makes up for in other areas - if you know where to look. (Hint: check the trails!)
No comments:
Post a Comment