Can you recall a time in your life when you took up running? C’mon most of us have had a running chapter in our life story to date? Maybe your running chapter is still running?
A time when you desired that feeling of moving your whole body in a forward motion. Whether it felt light as a feather, or as heavy as a concrete truck, you were still moving forward! Your feet pounding the pavement as the natural elements watch you- cheering you on with delight that you’re in mother nature’s play-ground and away from your desk/office/study/phone!
As lovely as that sounds, the truth for me is…. I’ve never been a natural runner!
Believe me, I have bought the expensive runners and the active wear, I’ve even entered numerous fun run events to show my commitment to the cause. But, it’s just not really me! I still give it a good go every now and then, just in case I’ve changed you know?
So In the early hours of the morning a few wintery days ago, I put my joggers on and hit the sandy gravel pavement for my usual walk/run/stare at the beach/walk!
As I was moving through one of my 3 minute interval runs, a lady ran past me. She wasn’t running fast (what’s that say about my pace?), and she wasn’t one of those runners you admire from a distance but wouldn’t dare share the sandy pavement with. She just seemed like a cool chick, going for a run with a good pace on her.
Here’s where it gets creepy…
I realised how pleasant her pace was and I decided to allow her pace to lead me a little. To push me that little bit faster and further then my norm, then my comfort zone.
So off WE run… her oblivious to that fact that I’m gently chasing her for my own personal performance enhancement.
As a result, I doubled my run distance and time that morning! I was pleasantly surprised how this stranger helped me push my comfy running zone that little further. No, I’m not going to join a run club now, or enter the Melbourne half marathon coming up (I thought about it), but I just loved the inspiration I gained by following a leader on my path that day!
Made me think what other leaders we may have running around us that give that gentle push in a forward motion? For me it’s my sisters, my folks, my incredible friends, the students I work with, the inspiring POD casts I listen to, my nieces and nephews. I’ve realised that there everywhere these awesome leaders, and I’m going to let them help me grow!
Oh and if by some crazy reason all the leaders seem to be hiding from you at the one time- it might just mean you are up! It’s your turn to lead the pack for a little. What a privilege. You never know whose path you may be running past?
Watch your back is all I’m saying (in a positive way of course).
Simply blissful!
X
SimBLISSity 