Kind and In Kind

As I conclude my "season" - essentially the first half of the year - I look back at my experiences.

I went through a series of disappointing injuries. Often these were not overuse related, such as strains. Instead, the variety came in the form of single-episode injuries triggered by the most tragic of reasons, such as a shoe that was too tight (putting me out of running for more than a month?). Furthermore, I wasn't able to meet my time goal for this season.

Nonetheless, disappointments and frustrations aside, I probably experience some of the sweetest blessings. They're arguably simple, yet the simplicity can be meaningful. For one, I received a Garmin Forerunner 15 from my classmates. This undoubtedly aided me in my running journey, having managed to track my many runs on Strava. In addition, I was offered a free foam roller from a kind running forum user. I'm still not certain if it provides any significant physiological benefit, though the psychological benefit is present. Last but not least, a kind runner offered to sell me a brand new, yet heavily discounted Garmin HR Monitor for my FR15, fuelling my interest in understanding the science of running.

The running community is kind - I've received its blessings in kind. I've gradually come to run for aspects far greater than myself or my goals. I do want to pay the kindness forward - within the community and beyond. When suitable opportunities come along, I'll seize them, kindly.