It's all about "da Pace"

This past Saturday, as I do on most Saturdays; I set out with a group of wonderful PRC ladies for our coffee run. In chatting the night before, it became apparent that a couple of my regular “pace mates” would not make the next day’s run. As I’m still trying to build back up from last year’s write off, I was a little concerned that I’d be left in the dust by the faster paced ladies in our little group; or worst still, feel that I was holding them back.

When we left CM at 0900 (intentionally late to accommodate a friend), we were pumped ! LOL so much so that we were caught Jay running across topsail Rd by Mayer Dan ! Chastised later at coffee…. Lesson learned !

We set off East on Topsail to run to Commonwealth and back to CM via trail for a total of 8K. On the longer runs of late, I’ve been doing 10/1 splits to build endurance. I kept with this strategy until we got to Commonwealth where I found myself with a renewed energy and sense of strength so I skipped the scheduled walk break. Suddenly, I realised….Holy S&%T !!!! I was keeping up with the “gazelles” of our little group …better yet; I was doing it without too much difficulty!

It was an amazing run with many laughs along the way as well as later at CM !

Later that evening and for all of the next day, I was involved in hosting a fundraising telethon for our local Children’s hospital. As I met and chatted with numerous people and took some special time to talk at length with the families of some of our “miracle kids”; I came to the realization that these families are challenged to keep pace every day. When all is well with their children, everyone cruises along at a comfortable pace to build endurance and keep steady state. But when things become unbalanced for whatever reason…..an illness with their child….a parent away for work commitments….the bar is raised and the pace quickens for those involved.

In both a run, or in our daily lives; we generally glide along at a comfortable pace until we are challenged. Once the challenge is issued, either voluntarily or by demand; we quicken our pace and pull it out at the end.

We may not be unscathed, but we will have learned a valuable lesson….. when the pace quickens, we rely on both competitors and supporters to challenge and cheer us on to keep going to reach our goal….whatever that goal may be.

So yes my friends; it’s all about “da Pace” ….but it’s the pace you choose to help you meet the challenge ahead…..ultimately at the end of the day…..the length of the road does not change and the same distance is covered by all who travel it.

What’s your pace?