Hundreds of runners ran past on my usual walk along the calm of the Okanagan Lake this morning. This is a charity run.
Sunshine enhancing autumn colors, blue sky and lakefront scenery, the penetrating calm of the lake and the morning remain completely unhindered by the continual stream of runners along the stretch of Waterfront Park. Walking in the opposite direction I had the interesting viewpoint of seeing all the faces. Many were cool as a cucumber as they ran by. Others were visibly heat and exertion exhausted with bloated red wet faces and I worried a little for their well being. I know what that feels like. 
The most able runners of course took up the first three quarters of the race. At the end were the old, children and many that you could see were challenging their less fit abilities. This is where the exhaustion was evident. To all, I have to hand it - they were all doing well beyond my own capability and I cheered them in passing.
One stood out especially. A white haired lady in a neck brace, I think over 70 years old, near the tail end, strode along as cool and calm as the lake itself this morning. This lady stays in my thoughts - underterred by age and injury, she knew her limitations and stayed comfortably within them.
We are all at different levels of ability. It is good to know what that is and push ourselves just a little at a time, challenging new levels and horizons.
(If you are viewing as a guest you may leave comments and questions in the comment box below)
 |
|
|
Business, Art, Interior Design & Staging is my background, which for the past 20 years defines my life work. The Earth and Humanity defines my life purpose.
Kelowna BC * Strong Market * Living Spaces Design Interior Design & Staging
Kelowna Women Meditation at Midlife * Group Support * Yitung Buddhist Temple
Home Staging Summerland * When Price Lowering Is Your Selling Strategy
Home Staging Lake Country * When Price Lowering Is Your Selling Strategy
Home Staging Penticton * When Price Lowering Is Your Selling Strategy
Home Staging Vernon * When Price Lowering Is Your Selling Strategy
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
Deborah, What a beautiful way you told this story. I am inspired by these people who keep pushing for what they want and am also intrigued by this woman who persevered...my "hat" is off to her!
I used to run marathons but wore my knee out. I am a great walker jogger now and still enjoy moving, it is just a shorter distance and a slower pace.
got to keep moving or you lock up!
Deborah,
What a beautiful post! This proves that you can do anything you set your mind too! Very inspiring! :)
Carole - yes for sure - the runners at the top end were in admirably great form and beautiful. Those at the end were admirably ...beautiful and inspiring in ways I could relate to.
Wow Kathleen! I'm a walker jogger too - I've run a little, but have never had the ability even when young to run much - I was more a gymnastics type.
Suzanne - I certainly felt inspired by the earnest efforts of the runners this morning which is why I wanted to share it. There is a lot we can learn from observing others.
thanks for stopping in!
WOW - you definitely took me there with your words. Do you write poetry or stories? You should! The way you write is amazing! I'm glad you had a great experience, and I too am very inspired about the lady in the neck brace - how wonderful that she did that. I'm going to be helping out with the Long Beach marathon in a few weeks so reading this is getting me excited about it. Thanks for the post!
Thank You Pattie! You're very kind. I tend more to write articles, essays, and letters. I've written a lot of drivel over the years, but eventually things start to form from the 'practice'. I recently published a couple of articles in a local magazine - an interesting experience.
I don't know exactly how this lady did it, but it seemed she was completely in her comfort zone and this was near the race end.
Have a good week!
Wow Deborah, I loved your post. Very moving.
Great to hear from you Nancy - Thanks for stopping in - glad you liked it - I thought it was an inspirational and experiential observation worth sharing
Have a great week!
What an enjoyable and encouraging article you have done here. I especially like the bit about the old injured lady. The human spirit can be so resilient and uplifting at times!
Hello Shellee! I especially like the example set by this lady also. I find wisdom in observing the strength of character traits in others, regardless of their age. We need to use what we can to live to full potential.
Gave a great week Shellee!