By SALLY SWANSON, AIA
On your mark, get set, go! Sometimes it’s good to try something new. This time, for me, was a day at the races. And who would have guessed that I’d finish near the top of my category!
What started out as a feeling of real trepidation at the thought of participating in the Marin County Half Marathon, turned out to be an absolutely wonderful experience. Helping me push through my personal discomfort was the fact that my firm had sponsored The Arc of Alameda County a non-profit organization that serves more than 400 clients with Developmental Disabilities every day. This day, and the race, was all about them; not me.
After the longest, coldest, wettest winter on record in Northern California (well, it certainly felt that way), the day that my husband Andy and I awoke to was glorious in a wash of nothing but brilliant sunshine and Monet blue skies. Andy always enjoys a good run, but today he was absolutely excited to wake at 6 a.m. and get going. It had been many years since he had run any sort of organized running event and was mindful that his legs might cramp (they didn’t, by the way).
Many of the SSA team and their families signed up to participate and planned to attend with their children. Commemorative t-shirts identifying my firm, The Arc of Alameda County and the event were designed collaboratively by SSA staff and were worn by our team who would be running in several of the day’s events.
As we gathered at the starting area, my fear at having never been in a running event or marathon of this scale before, again brought forth my trepidation.
Helping me to overcome my fear was the beautiful park setting for the event: McNear Beach Park in San Rafael. This eased my mind, and I really felt inspired by the outpouring of good nature of all involved and joyful for the wonderful warm coastal breeze that would buoy us through our run.
What especially reassured me was the powerful combination and sheer numbers of children and adults who were ready and willing to test themselves and push their limits in such a healthy endeavor.
Nearly race time, and as we milled about chatting and getting to know one another in our respective races, we heard over the P.A. system announcements for the day. They mentioned my firm and said a few words about its work towards providing an accessible world for all, and especially noted our love of educational projects. Hearing the firm spoken of so glowingly made me feel shy. But other staff members held their heads high and seemed so proud to be connected to a good cause. This event was important to so many individuals involved in this day’s experience.
Being a newcomer to formal races, Andy thought that I should commit to running only the 5K, rather than the 10K or half marathon, to try it out. As is often the case, Andy was right for the run proved to be easy and offered reassurance that I could run again another day. I ran the three mile course with a staff member and her daughter. We talked as we ran and I found it to be so much fun.
As I eased into the event, I was able to reflect on my long standing fears. Some years ago, I was cornered and threatened while running in my neighborhood over five years ago I literally stopped running. Compounding my fear was physical pain. My hip always responded negatively to the motion of running, so I determined that running was not for me. On the morning of this event, I was able to summon my inner strength, reminding myself that one should never give up when faced with an obstacle or something blocking one’s progress. And for the first time in recent memory my hip did not hurt and the running felt smooth as I paced myself comfortably. Perhaps, for me, the weekly sessions of yoga that I am dedicated to have kept me flexible in ways that I didn’t imagine. Yoga seemed so hard at first; I kept looking at the gym clock counting down the seemingly interminable minutes. The trick, I’m convinced, is in finding a yoga teacher/trainer that you enjoy the company of and then stick with it.
But I digress.
The best part of the Marin County Half Marathon is when we all gathered after the race and shared our experiences. One staff member who ran the entire half marathon (13+ grueling miles) had not yet crossed the finish line and so we waited anxiously wondering how he was doing.
It was the effervescent team spirit of reaching a common goal that brought us all closer together, so that we felt like family more than just a team. In fact, ours was one of the largest teams to participate and this measure of commitment meant so much to me. At the end of the day, it felt like a genuine and unique tie that bound us and the exuberant photos, for certain, chronicle the harmony of the day. It was a day that began with mild trepidation (for me) and ended on an entirely upbeat note (for all).
Back at the office on Monday was an unspoken commonality and I could sense a renewed vigor in everyone’s efforts. Next year perhaps we will sponsor the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. After all my years of working on the Paralympics as an accessibility consultant, I find myself wanting to run a foot race with an individual that is blind or visually impaired.
Now I have decided to start running again regularly, but not without protection from potential assailants. For many years when hiking in the high country, I’ve carried bear spray. Now, to prepare myself to again run comfortably in my own neighborhood, I purchased a belt to hold my container of bear spray. If it works in the woods against four-legged predators, it’s a suitable deterrent to any two-legged urban outlaws! Facing this fear, has empowered me to feel comfortable and at ease again working out in the morning and going on a run through my neighborhood. The local police reports regarding the adjacent housing developments point to frequent cases of individuals harassing those who walk or run around my neighborhood. In many cases even throwing them to the ground and robbing them of their possessions, like cell phones and backpacks. Bear spray reaches 12 feet so I will feel protected. With Andy I always feel safe in the neighborhood, but I need to feel safe when alone. I want my neighborhood back.
Throughout the chapters of my life one surprise after another has changed my perceptions of self and caused me to take a second introspective look. The surprising element of the Marin County Half Marathon event was that I found myself physically stronger than I imagined. I may be old, but I’m not ancient. I even came in second in my age group. Like the famous saying goes: slow and steady wins the race. Keep moving forward; you may be surprised what happens next.
