Meet Chris.
Chris runs a 10-mile route 3–4 time times per week. He runs the same route rain, shine, or snow. The only exception, as he put it, is that he won't run if there is a polar vortex. It seems like an odd thing to say, but we do, on rare occasions, get them in Wisconsin.
I have seen Chris running a few times and have stopped to give him a thumbs up or a motivational mental push. “Nice work man, Keep it up!”, is what I usually shout.
Chris doesn’t sport name-brand running shirts, shorts, or even shoes. He is often found trotting along with his head held high in below the knee basketball shorts, a relaxed t-shirt, and a pack of water.
Today I decided to stop and have a chat with Chris.
I lead with a high five and, oh man let me tell ya, it was one of the most crisp high fives I have ever experienced. It was satisfying.
“How you doin’ man?”, I have made small talk with him previously so I knew about his 10-mile run, so I followed with, “You on your 10-mile run?”
“Yes”, he panted with an ear-to-ear smile.
“I see you out here a lot”, I proclaimed, “You thinking about upping your distance anytime soon?”
“Nah, I am satisfied with the 10-mile loop that I know, I enjoy it.”
I stopped and pondered what he just said and follow with, “You know there is something to be said about running the same route. On paper, it’s the same, but each run is different if you pay attention to the details.”
“Yeah”, he said. “I usually zone out on my podcasts.”
“So, what makes you run this same route?”. I inquired to know more about the why.
“I have a family history of diabetes and I am trying to avoid that”, he said proudly.
“Ahhhh yeah”, I agreed, “Who in your family has diabetes?”
“My mother”, he said compassionately.
“No shit, same with my mother”.
I thought about my mother and how great of a person she is. I vividly remember her always tell me that she was my cheer leader in life. When I do things that I know worry her and she expresses it, I also know this is the motherly love and that deep down she supports and roots for me.
We had a short chat about how deadly diabetes can be. I was happy to know that, like my mother, his mother was managing it well and was in overall good health. We then parted ways to meet again someday on the one and only Oak Leaf Trail.
Chris shows great determination and consistency. He acknowledges that he was not dealt a royal flush in life and works hard to not end up with a joker. Chris may have shown me his two pair that he is working with, but I will guarantee he will beat big when it’s his time, put diabetes to shame, and cash out with his straight flush. Be more like Chris.
Love you MOM.
