While running the Turkey Trot this morning (an 8k run in Buffalo to support the YMCA), I happened to pass two kids in conversation right as we were all passing the one mile marker.
“One mile down!” The maybe-eight-year-old kid said to his friend.
“One mile done already?!” The maybe-seven-year-old kid said in response.
“Pfffft! That was easy!” He continued.
“Oh yeah it was!” The maybe-eight-year-old shouted assuringly.
And then half a beat passed where neither of them said anything.
To which the maybe-seven-year-old said:
“Do you want to… like… walk for a little bit?”
“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.” The maybe-eight-year-old said quickly as he released the effort from his trot.
“Yeah, we’ll like run for a mile, then walk for a bit, then….” The maybe seven-year-old was saying as the rest of their conversation faded into the background while I continued my run.
And while I found it to be a hilarious exchange between two young boys who were undoubtedly still exploring what their capabilities and limits were… I also found it to be inspiring.
Here they were… running together in an 8k… at maybe-seven and maybe-eight-years-old… trying to push each other and keep a positive mindset… while also being mindful of their state along the way…
I don’t know if they finished the run.
But, one thing I know for sure: They won by being there.