Tonight, though much is on my mind regarding freedoms and personal excellence, the thought of running occupies my mind the most. Tomorrow, for Independence Day, I will begin the day by participating in our local Freedom Run, a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) race. I am nervous for this race because I am just getting myself back to decent running form after years of physical issues that have made it very difficult to sustain much of a training regimen on the roads. (see earlier posts) But finally, with the help of better nutrition, mainly through anti-oxidants and omega 3’s, my legs feel their best in over 10 years. I am excited for that.
Why do I run? I love running. I regret that I didn’t compete more in running events while growing up. I grew up as a swimmer and there was always a joke about the fact that swimmers could not perambulate on dry land. I suppose there is a bit of that, but only on a slightly humorously true side. And when I ran my first marathon back in 2001 (I’ve only run 2), I did so in a t-shirt that said, “Get a life! A swimming life. Nothing else matters.” I figured if I struggled through the race, people would read the shirt and say, “No wonder. Poor guy. He has heart to try to run anything, what with flippers for feet and hands and all.” But seriously, running does something for me that swimming or any other sport does not do. I run to keep myself free and sane.
A physically fit person is more able to think clearly, and being a chronic depressive, I value the ability to keep my mind fresh and clear. Some doctors claim that any exercise accomplishes this, but I disagree, at least for myself. I think it has something to do with the pounding on the street, something I don’t get while swimming or riding a bike. The pounding just shakes the depressive cobwebs from my mind and allows me to feel great. Plus, there is so much to look at and ponder while running. Swimming in a pool just gives you the black line at the bottom and whatever blemished nuance one can find down there. I feel good after a great swimming workout because of the accomplishment but not like after a decent run. It just shakes all the junk out of my head.
I run on the fourth of July sort of as a commemoration to the Founders as well. I know that may sound a bit sappy, but I don’t mind being at least a little sentimental now and then. My hero of the Revolution, Thomas Jefferson, would end every day with a vigorous run across town. He believed a strong body makes a strong mind.
Give about two hours every day to exercise, for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes the mind strong.
Furthermore, John Adams rightly predicted that Independence Day would be a great celebration.
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not. (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, 142).
So, in a way, by running this race, I am invoking my patriotism. I run to be free.
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