Breathe In, Breathe Out

I recently began running with a group focused on training recovering addicts for endurance athletic events as part of the recovery process. Joined with the Denver Rescue Mission, the AIR Foundation trains these men for half-marathons, marathons, and 200+ mile relay races. It provides more than an athletic training program, giving them shoes, running apparel and a community of like-minded friends.

Last night I was running (or walking more-like) with one of the guys just talking about running and about life in general. He was a fascinating person, an artist specializing in glass art but working in oil painting and sketching as well. He had studied in the best schools and under the most renowned artists in his trade. At the height of his career he became so fed up with all the politics at the top that he left everything to spend 40 days fasting in the desert of Arizona. We talked a little about his experiences and the people he had met, but it all came back to grabbing hold of our opportunities and leading a life worth living. He's excited about the opportunity to train for and run a marathon; accomplishing an impressive goal and getting his life back on track.

For me running has occasionally been therapeutic, but mostly just for fun and a competitive outlet (so I don't do things like organize paper-clip tossing competitions or obstacle courses at work). In this setting though, I'm learning how having a goal, a training schedule and a support system can really help someone turn their life around and get back on their feet. It's a matter of doing something that you believe is important, and in many ways, something that society views as a great accomplishment. It's a way to feel valued and even respected.

Currently, we are training with several men to run the Denver Marathon in October. We're only three weeks into the program and I am really excited to see how we all progress and improve. I'm planning on training with F4 again this summer, but I'm also excited to have another opportunity to build relationships through running and work toward a common goal with a new set of athletes.