Why Running Matters | Keep the faith alive

I kind of empathise with Dean's blog. Dean Karnazes is a renowned ultramarathoner and the author of several books chronicling his long-distance, international running exploits. My recent experience at outdoor runs has impelled me to take a deeper look into why running holds such power. Why is it so important. When you distill it all down, here is what I’ve uncovered.

Fundamentally speaking there are so many things in life that divide us, that separate us and tear us apart, take us away from each other, be it race, religion, creed, color, socioeconomic level, nationality or any diverse factors. But running is something that we all share in common. Regardless of any of these divisive factors, we all run in the same way. It is a commonality we humans share in a world that emphasizes our differences.

Running unites us and brings us together because, in the words of the great Bill Rodgers, “We sweat the same. We struggle the same.” Running is a simple, primitive act, and therein lays its power. For it is one of the few commonalities left between us as a human race.

Toeing the starting line of a marathon, regardless of the language you speak, the God you worship or the color of your skin, we all stand as equal. Perhaps the world would be a better place if more people ran.

Keep the faith alive. Keep Running, Keep living