Saturday Long Run Thoughts: Can Running Save the World!?

I'm sure many of you reading this are thinking "ok Coach I love running too but come on!" I get it and I'll warn you these Saturday long run blogs may get a little away from me but that's what I love about my long run! today's a little rough not sure if it was off day or just or the hills that did it but Colima took a chunk out of me after 13 miles and left me a bit delirious. That being said as I ran I was thinking how much better much life has been with running in it and being a coach I have seen what drastic impact it has had in so many lives. From taking kids out of a destructive path to helping others find drive and determination for all aspects of their lives. Running can transform a person one day one mile at a time. To some degree many of you reading this already know it as you probably have similar stories in your own lives, but can it save the world?!? I think it can ! Let me explain. In a world in which more kids play video games to than any games outdoors, a world where Sunday fun day means watching Netflix all day instead of taking a trip to the beach or mountains, and a world in which the sense of community has all but fade away behind gated community and gated windows I do believe running can save the world! I am often asked why I coach? Why the long hours? why the little to no pay? why do this at all? Truth is we all have the ability to enact change in this world. Some will run for office others will help at church, I coach as I do believe running can save the world! First and most simply running is a great and direct way for many to get in shape and remain healthy member so four community. Something that is desperately needed with child obesity rates on the rise and overall health going down hill. Running can put kids on the right track so to speak to live productive lives. I credit running with giving me the tools to stay out of trouble when I was young and I raised my kids with the mentality of keep them busy and tired and they will stay out of trouble. I see many kids make better choices when they have running as a source of passion and determination. From there school, family, and more become more worth fight for and they tend to live better lives. Last but not least Running builds a sense of community more so that any activity or sport. Any giving Sunday there are 100's of thousands toeing the line as one community to race the local 5K to a major marathon. Sure there are 100,000 people watching a football game but being on the sideline in a game or life never has the same impact as being in the game or race! Running club exist all over the world from 3-4 members clubs to large organizations all together a part of our running community. Think about the possibilities if we could ever use the strength of running clubs alone we could change the world. One day someone says let's help a family in need everyone meet to run at this park and show up after to help rebuild a house or support a fundraiser our running community impact would be huge. In the end true change comes from communities not politicians or governments. Let them give their speeches while we help out our community. So doubling back why do I coach you may ask? Because I have had a dream for many years that we together as runners can not only make our communities safer and and healthier by introducing more to running but we can enact true change through the power of community! Hope you enjoyed my thoughts for this Saturday! Best of luck with your running dreams!

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