Just shut up and run...

Prince Edward Island was terrific, a real great experience. It was Gloria's first running event and good for her for having the courage to get to the starting line.

Running with Gloria the past few weeks has been real learning experience for me as well. I can see Gloria struggling with the same battles I went through - trying what seemed impossibly to increase mileage, the desparately hard breathing, the aches and pains, and the wondering about my ability to finish the workout.

And as Gloria questioned her abilities aloud for the first 6-K of the 10-K race, I was at peace with myself because I could see that my running had developed beyond just exercise, way past the sweating and the panting. My running had become a collection of experiences, a chance to see the sights that would not normally grab my attention, a chance to say hello to others around me that I would not normally acknowledge. Indeed, my running had become a chance to celebrate the ability to put one foot in front of the other and this puts me at the head of the pack, no matter how far back I finish, no matter how slow I am.

We brought some wonderful memories back from P.E.I. and we also brought back the knowledge that the race is mastered by those with the courage to start and the tenacity to finish.

And this is best accomplished by those who just shut up and run.