Strange Inspiration

I went for a run in the park tonight.  Now, when I say "run" I mean the slowest possible thing that is not walking.  And even then, the run lasts until I can't breathe and have to walk. I don't have a running partner to push me (or for me to push), and I don't even have an MP3 player to keep me moving.  So I sing random songs in my head, or work on memorization cards or contemplate life, the universe, and everything.  But mostly, I'm just trying to make it to the next marker.  This park has a 1.5 mile paved loop.  I do 2 laps just to hit a nice 3 miles.  I've noted where every .25 mile is, to give myself some markers along the way.

Tonight's run felt great!  Well, the first lap felt great.  I had my best time!  I ran for a solid .75 without stopping, and only short walks between running stretches for the rest of that lap.  I was feeling very proud of myself, but also very tired, sweaty, and cranky.  So after some good stretching and cooling down a bit, I was ready to leave.  I didn't want to do a second lap.  I figured 1.5 miles was enough.  I talked myself into being too spent to finish.

That's when a most unlikely inspiration came along in the shape of a quite overweight older man.  He had started walking the loop right before I began.  I had passed him at the first quarter mile marker.  We had exchanged pleasantries...  "lovely evening.  Not too many bugs"...    As he came around ending his first lap.  I said a congratulatory "Hey, we made it."  But he said as he kept on walking, "Nope, can't quit yet.  I gotta go around again."

This is not a lengthy conversation.  This is nothing profound.  This is just complete strangers making small talk passing in the park.  But it struck me hard with a blow right on my head.  If this guy can go a second lap and finish his 3 miles, why can't I?  What excuse that I'm using is actually valid?

• But I'm tired. --- Uh, It's only 6:30.  
• But I'll be late to VBS. --- It takes only 30 minutes to walk the loop, running is faster.
• But I just can't go any further. --- Overweight old guy can. 

So my excuses are crap.  The guy is getting farther down the path now.  And I'm just standing there staring like a lunatic.  Finally, I slammed the car door and took off after him.  I didn't catch up to him til that same quarter mile marker.  In passing, I told him he inspired me to keep going and not give up.

I finished the lap strong.  It wasn't my best time, but my no means my worst.  I took my time cooling down and stretching like always.  (And mopping up my sweaty dripping head!)  About 15 minutes after I came in, the guy comes walking up.  I thanked him for just being there at the right time.  That I really needed that kick.

Silly, but sometimes I feel like I work so hard at trying to be an inspiration to others.  To give motivation. To encourage.  To support.  To push.  I guess I forgot that I need that too sometimes.

I did make it clear I can't do a third lap!