If there is health in the soul, there will be beauty in the person; If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the home; If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation; If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.
— Chinese Proverb
Every runner has one. The kind of run that happens every once in a while. The weather is gorgeous — the right temperature, no wind, sunny, a great spring day. You start your run and then it happens, you are running stronger and stronger. You feel light and joyful. You can run farther because it just feels so amazing. I had a run like that yesterday. It was pure joy.
People often ask why I run. I always say for joy; quality of life and championship living. Running can be an extremely joyful (and fun) activity. For some, this seems like a ridiculous thing to say. How can running possibly be joyful? I understand. I really do. I was very much a beginner and remember it like it was yesterday. I did it all wron — too much too soon; too much pressure; too much stress. I ran through injury, over-stressed my body and remember feeling like throwing up. The thing I have learned through coaching is that running truly can be fun from the first day if you’ll let it be. Running and walking can be steps on a road to recovery, rediscovery and change — if you’ll let them be. Running is about being in the now, taking it slowly and laughing along the way. Each step teaches us, transports us and takes us closer to who we really are and who we can become.
My father- in-law started running at 45. My brother at 50. I coach runners who have MS; cancer, and other life-threatening diseases. I coach runners with extreme bio-mechanical challenges; elite runners; students; and high- energy kids. They all find running a source of joy and extremely enhancing to their quality of life.
There is a kind of grace that passes over those of us who have transformed our lives with our own two feet. This feeling is available to all of us if we stay open to it. We all have everything we need to change our lives. We don’t need to be thinner, smarter, younger or more disciplined. We don’t need to be a fast runner, elite athlete or bio-mechanically sound.We all have everything we need, at this moment, in order to accept the abundance an active life can give us.
Boogie training is all about celebrating your accomplishments even by the simple act of trying. The path of running that you are currently on is your own unique path. It is also a path, which if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, will take you deep into yourself and miles away at the same time. You were born to move. All your efforts will be celebrated on Sunday, April 29, at the high energy Boogie finish line. Our amazing team will be there to congratulate you, give you a high five (or a hug) and will be so grateful to be part of your running journey.
Jo Berry is co-ordinator of The Daily News Boogie and executive director of the Boogie the Bridge Society.
