Why I Love This Running Community

“Running is nothing more than a series of arguments between the part of your brain that wants to stop and the part that wants to keep going.”-unknown.  

                 Ifyou have come to any of the BRC Brew Runs, you may have noticed a Bridger Orthopedic clad runner or beer pourer at almost every event.  That is Cheryl, one of the sweetest and most caring Patient Service Specialist at Bridger Orthopedic.  She had never been a runner, never thought she could do it, and had written it off as a hobby.  However, last year after working at almost every brew run, she decided to give it a shot. She walked more than she ran, but she made it.  Since that run, Cheryl has participated in every Brew Run.  In fact, she took 5minutes off her best time at the 406 Brewery run.

                 One day when we were talking about training, Cheryl told me this: “Running is hardfor the first 10 minutes for everyone. If everyone is the same, then why can’t I push through and do it too?”  This has become almost a mantra for Cheryl as she continues running several days a week on her lunch breaks.  Her biggest accomplishment to date has beenr unning the 10k at the Run to the Pub almost never stopping or walking.  Think about that for just a moment; she went from never running, to being able to run a 10k in less than 6 months.  

And the latest postscript from Cheryl.  She is currently preparing torun a 10k in Barcelona in September!

                 This is exactly why I love the running community. Runners know the race is with yourself.  We cheer each other on, and congratulate eachother at the finish line.  I love seeing Cheryl at the end of a Brew Run to ask her if she had fun, hand her a beer, and tell her how awesome it is that she is a runner.

I like to jokingly say that I started running because my wife made me.  Truth is, I was starting to slow down with volleyball, and running was a way for me to push myself.  After running a few races in this valley, I know that I feel fulfilled and happy at the finish.  My fast friends are there at the finish telling me nice job, and talking about how hard the race was for them; somehow relating my slow run to their fast run. My time only matters to me; the fact that I am at the finish is what matters to the people at the finish line. I’ll never be as fast as my coworkers that win or place in these races,but that is not what matters.

Levi Taylor, DPT

Physical Therapist, part time runner

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