Life and running

Monday, March 12, 2012 · Mike Davis

Hi All!

Thirty years ago around this time I walked into an Air Force recruiting office and an hour later I walked out committed to joining. Fear of the unknown was certainly running from my littlest toe all the way up to what use to be a large head of hair. I wasn’t from a military family or didn’t even know anyone in the military. My life options at that time were minimal as college wasn’t ready for me (my way of expressing I wasn’t ready for college!). As crazy as my decision was to enter the military, it seemed better than the alternatives.

I have been seriously running now for a good while, completing many 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. I have run relay races and have run up Mount Washington. I have even run a 5K in Iraq! I have also run 2 marathons, one in Germany and the other in my home country. While I have done okay in most of the distances I have run, I have not been very good at running marathons. No matter what country I have run a marathon in, I have struggled with injuries and ultimately struggled to the finish line. Neither race was very good and misery was considerable. Some would say that misery is normal and that’s part of running a marathon. I have questioned my preparedness as well as my injury management many times since these races and have gone to considerable extents to resolve my woes. In my mind I was unsure that another marathon would be in my future as the unknown loomed.

What does my joining the Air Force and my not so happy marathon experiences have to do with each other? As most of you may know, I’m currently back training for another marathon and much like my signing on the dotted line to join the military, there’s much unknown with how this marathon story is going to end. When I went off to Basic Training, I never in my life would have thought nearly 30 years later I would still be serving my country and blessed to be able to do it. Similarly, I have put my fears and frustration aside to attempt another marathon. I use the word attempt as I am still struggling with the confidence that my body is even meant to run 26.2 miles. I am not good with quitting or failure, so I will continue to put all I have into overcoming a bad hip and some other obstacles to go the distance. Thirty years ago I had fears, lacked confidence and had no idea what I was getting myself into, sounds much like the ups and downs of training for a marathon. Not everyone struggles, as I have many friends that make it look easy. For me, much like my military career; I’ve had to work hard, not give up and maintain my faith to enjoy the success I have been blessed with. Running is no different; I have used that same blueprint to overcome.

I am thankful that I don’t fear failure or don’t turn from the unknown. I believe that the Big Man opens doors creating opportunities and it’s up to us to seize them. Whether I succeed or not will not be measured by whether I cross the line in Burlington, but instead my determination to even try. So much of success in life comes down to stepping out of our box and not giving in to fear. I here young people say; “joining the Guard isn’t for me”. I don’t believe it for a second, setting aside your life, your fears and serving your country, is for anyone that is willing to sign on the line. Running a 5K, 10K, half marathon or even a marathon is much the same. All it requires is overcoming your fears and some effort. Pretty much how success is achieved in life. Give it a try!