You Are How OLD??

I made it out this morning for a 7.5 miler but late as usual. The heat and humidity was typical Columbia torture, hot and painful.  I was at about mile 3 when I spotted a runner headed my way on the opposite side of the road. He was still a good distance away but I could tell he was moving at a fairly slow pace. His steps were labored. It takes one to know one,, huh? Anyway, as he approached I noticed he had begun to slow to a fast walk. I didn’t have to guess what the problem may have been. It was certainly the heat had beaten this guy to relent to a conservative smart pace. I always admire runners that have the gift or lack of in reference to being so hard headed. I usually want to deny how hot it is or the spots I am seeing in my vision are just some pesky knats and surely I am not so dizzy that I can’t continue on to complete my pre planned run. Right.

 Anyway, I decided to cross over to the other side just to see if he was OK and determine if I knew this guy. As I approached him, I recognized him from a prior encounter about 3 years ago while I was about in the same location while training for a marathon. He was an older gentleman but still out there on the pavement,,, in the heat. We discussed the heat and humidity along with our latest race events and outcomes. I was actually thankful that I had taken the time to grab a quick break and catch up with this guy named Sas. Yep Sas is his nickname that he uses. He still has an accent from somewhere and I don’t mean from around SC or the USA. He is a very interesting fellow. He then decided to ask me how old I thought he was. I always hate being in that position with that sort of question but instantly knew I would give him the benefit of the doubt and shoot for a little lower number than what I really thought he was in his years. I am always concerned that I will tell someone they look much older than they are. I had guessed around 68 while I was actually thinking he may be closer to 70. He laughed and then informed me he was 83. Yes, 83 and running in the Columbia heat in the mid 80’s. I was inspired and told him so. It was actually a great moment of encouragement for me. I have stated on numerous occasions that I desire to continue running until they pick me up one day in a 6 ft box on the side of the road or trail. Yes, I am really OK if I am out running when God takes me to my permanent home.

 I would also mention that this guy had suffered a heart attack some years back but refused to let that put him out of our sport. He also stated that his last race had been on a trail at a State Forest. He did stumble over a stump and fall but still managed to finish. Do you understand why I was encouraged so much on this mornings run? I told him that my goal was to follow his lead. I wanted to run until the end. I wished him well and thanked him for his encouragement by example. I think both of us were grateful for the short visit. So what is the point about this morning run? I am not one who seeks to find people to talk to. I value my time alone on the pavement. No interruptions from anyone or anything is what I desire. I actually attempt to avoid anyone that I do not know as a good friend. It is strange for me to stop someone running and start discussing anything. It was just one of those serendipity moments that life sometimes brought our way. The problem is that I usually miss them. So I guess you could say that the heat was a good thing today. It caused me to stop and check on another runner. It caused me to be encouraged that I may have another 15 to 20years to run. SO, lace em up and don’t forget to take your time to discover that taking a break in the heat can do more than provide a chance to catch your breath. It may allow you to be encouraged by the person you stopped to help.