Jim Flynn

Sunday, November 18, 2012 · Mike Davis

Yesterday I had no intentions of making the trek into Portsmouth for the Saturday morning group run. Instead I planned on taking it easy with a relaxing cup (or 2) of coffee and run some distance around Dover. I woke around seven and quietly made my way downstairs and as I got halfway down the stairs I could hear my phone chime multiple times with text messages. I don’t get a lot of text messages, especially at 7AM, so I was a bit surprised. A couple were from Jeannine inquiring whether I would be at the run that morning as she wanted to talk about the half marathon feedback, another was from a friend wanting to know if I would be at the group run as well? Well, I had a decision to make; stay the course or get it in gear and go to the group run. Another factor was the can good drive that was going on with the gathering as well. Because I’m not good at telling people “no”, I got moving and without my normal pre-run preparation I hustled out the door. My goal was to stop at a store along the way and pick up some can goods and get there on time. I hate having to rush but sometimes you no choice.

I picked up my can goods and was at the Runners Alley at 8 and all the runners were in the store dropping off their can goods and socializing. I was relieved not to get there and have to take right off as I never have a great run when I am rushing right out. Instead I was able to spend some time socializing with people I haven’t seen in a while because of my commitment to coaching. There was a large group, maybe 50 or more pact in the store. I think it’s great that people show up in such great number when there’s a worthy cause like the can good drive. I was even thrilled to see some of the people from my most recent half marathon group there and still motivated. Really for me I am blessed as I have been involved with many runners over the years through the training groups so when I walk into a room of runners, I see many from each group. “No Finish Line Running” was founded on the philosophy that running is for life and seeing many of the former group members is proof that there is “no finish line”.

Unfortunately I did not see the friend that text me about running so I wasn’t sure if I should stay back and wait or hope that he might be outside waiting for me? As the group moved out for the run I hung back and talked with Jeanine (the owner and my part-time employer) about the post-group feedback. Still my friend wasn’t there, so I figured I may as well head out and run. I was quite a distance back, but I was okay with just taking it easy figuring I would catch up with some or just run the normal loop on my own. As I made my way along the first mile I saw a man ahead running by himself and as I got closer I realized it was one of my prior runners Jim Flynn. Jim had dropped out of my most recent group early on because of some injuries and knowing him, I knew this nearly 65 year old man had to have been frustrated. As I got up to him I greeted him with great enthusiasm as he has always been one of my favorite people! Jim quickly caught me up on what he had been going through and yet here he was back at it and not giving up. Running injuries can be a mystery some times and the frustrating part, but Jim is proof that giving up needn’t be an option.

Jim explained that he was just getting back into it and would run 3 miles today, so I figured I would stay at his pace and at least run with him until he had to turn around. Jim’s wisdom is amazing and listening to him is fun and insightful. He relayed a few things to me that really stuck, but one thing he said in particular was spot on. He said to me; “People have it wrong, if someone were to win the Power Ball, instead of going out and buying this or that, they should go out and hire a fulltime fitness trainer. Then spend a whole year getting in the best shape possible”. He went on to explain how physical health was so important and I could not have agreed more. His Power Ball analogy was excellent but I maintain that we don’t need to get rich to put emphasis on our conditioning, rich or not we can do exactly what Jim was doing at that moment. In fact during Jim’s months of not being able to run, he didn’t sit around, he did other activities to maintain his conditioning. At 65 years of age Jim was in great shape and not slowing down!

At the 1.54 mile mark I mentioned to Jim that he should turn around but he hung with me for almost another half mile before he turned around. I enjoyed the conversation and bid Jim a “Happy Thanksgiving” as he turned to head back. I continued on eventually catching up to another guy that I hadn’t seen in a while and who I enjoy running with. We caught up on things and commiserated over some other things. To think a few hours prior I was planning on running by myself. Thanks Jim!