Commentary by Heather Kestian
There is a term and concept I learned about somewhere around 13 years ago: runner’s high. It explains the euphoric feeling a runner can experience, an odd combination of both pain and pleasure.
May 7, I participated in the 40th running of the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon. While I am in no way an elite runner, I am a runner. Some steps are more painful than others; some are filled with far more pleasure. All of those steps are rewarding.
A few years ago when my husband and I attempted to run the Geist Half Marathon together, we were nearly foiled by a babysitter snafu. As fate would have it, a dear friend stepped in and saved the day, which is ultimately a testament to having a village ready for you at a moment’s notice. The lesson we learned that day was that we probably shouldn’t run in the same race. Now, he runs the Geist, and I run the Mini. Daddy gets to run, Mommy gets to run and the kids get to stay at home with supervision. See how everyone wins?
This year as I was running, I decided to really soak up all that the run had to offer. I listened to each band instead of listening to my iPod. I watched the Circle City Cloggers and the square dancers along the way. I decided I am going to take my kids to the new go-karting facility I ran past. I took a selfie across the yard of bricks.
To my friends who are about to run the Geist Half Marathon: I challenge you to enjoy every minute. Enjoy the people who line the course, the volunteers who make it all possible, the awesome neighborhoods and views along the way. There are people who would love to be where you are, so enjoy each breath, each heartbeat and each tear that may fall. I have yet to run in or watch a race that doesn’t inspire me. In the spirit of an old Irish blessing, may the wind be always at your back and the sun on your face.
