The following is a race report from 7 years ago, when I was still in college.It was almost 7:00 when my alarm clock woke me up. The voices on the radio were muttering something a bit too intellectual for that early on a Sunday morning. I stumbled out of bed and began my prerace rituals, not knowing what or who, was waiting at the starting line. I took a little too long in preparing and before I knew it, an angry runner was waiting impatiently outside of my window. “When you’re an old man like me, you’ll understand how much time I need in the morning” I muttered. I grabbed those vital supplies, my keys, headband, and of course, the entry fee, and headed out the door.
After a brief car ride, we found our way over to the hotel where the registration was taking place. Long lines and anxious runners filled the room. One line for numbers another for shirts, all essential to the runner. As I waited in line for my number (probably somewhere in the billions, the problem with raceday registration) I looked around to size up my competition. This was just to be a tune up run, to see what kind of shape I was in but still, I was ready to race.
It was then that I almost missed him, he seemed like just another guy in running shorts and running shoes. My memory told me different, this runner was someone special: Dick Hoyt. I looked around at the other runners, they seemed so focused on getting their numbers and shirts that they did not even notice him. I was hoping someone else would see them and match my enthusiasm.
I felt like I should say something, here was the man whose determination and love I had been awed over every time I heard his name. I searched quickly through my mind for a perfect phrase, “Congratulations” or “I really admire what you do” or even, “Good luck.” But none of these seemed appropriate. I found a greeting that seemed fitting at the moment, “Good morning!” He responded with a friendly enough good morning in return and that was that.
I shared my sighting with the other members of my group, who seemed attentive, yet lacked the lingering amazement that still filled my mind with wonder. Soon enough, it was time to hit the line, the stretching was done, and the watches were cleared. I ran with the sound of the gun, weaving at the start, jostling for position and finally settling in after about a half mile.
As we rounded the lake I was struck by the sound of the race. There were no cars, no TVs, no voices, only the sound of breathing and the steps of the runners. It was beautiful, a strange serenity amid our seven minute mile pace. About a half mile later, I encountered him again, this time Dick was with his usual partner, his son Rick. Together they pushed onward, already heading the opposite direction on the 5-k course.
I pushed for the next 5 miles, the usual aches and pains. I felt my body accelerating up the hills, leaving my midpack companions behind me until they caught me and my burning shins on the way back down.
As I neared the hotel and the finish line, I put on a worthy show for my cheering fans, passing up my nearest competitor and earning the accolades of the announcer at the finish. I was met by my group, each of us was satisfied with our finishes and we made or way to the post race refreshments. I sat there with my banana and my water, taking in the atmosphere that I know and enjoy so much. Basking in the sense of accomplishment, having pushed another 6.2 miles out of my body and it was not yet 10:00.
I thought about what I had done and certainly, what the Hoyts had done. It was while I was doing this that it finally all made sense. I had thought to myself, this is a great day, I have done something I love and seen up close, people that I admire greatly. It was his demeanor though that convinced me. Dick Hoyt did not seem to act as though this was a particularly amazing day. For him and Rick, that was the point. When they run together, Rick feels like he isn’t handicapped. What makes it so special is that it is the one time when Rick can feel like everyone else. For all of us, it was a day where we could enjoy something we love.
