To the Masked Grinder

Pixabay

May was a gluttonous, sluggish, sloth-like month for me. I took indulgence to new heights following my first trail 50K. I drank all the drinks and ate all the foods. I lazed about and familiarized myself with the couch. And quite honestly, I have no regrets. Not a single one. I look back on every late-night, Ramen- and candy-filled binge with a nostalgia that makes my chest swell. 

Okay, maybe that swelling is due to some extra pounds. 

Regardless, summer approaches, and it's time for this sloth to jump back into the running groove. And let me tell you, kickstarting a run, after time off, is much more difficult than stopping a run. The latter literally takes no effort. 

It's times like these, when I'm finding runs difficult and motivation waning, that I seek external sources of inspiration. Sometimes that inspiration comes in the form of an enthralling book; other times, it's a rousing social media post. But lately, I've found myself inspired by an anonymous runner I've seen trotting around my neighborhood. 

I know zilch about this older gentleman. I don't know his name. I don't even know what he looks like. He's always concealed by shades, a hat, and a mask. I recognize this anonymous runner by his spindly form as he hustles down the street, strong and steady against oncoming traffic. 

Nearly every day I see this cat, and every time I see him, he's running. Never have I seen him walk.

This guy's a machine, relentless in his physical pursuit. Without fail, rain or shine, he's out there. Grinding. Oftentimes, I see him while I'm out running errands. And goddamn, I itch to move. Seeing him spurs me to action, making me reach for my running shoes as soon as possible. 

So to the masked grinder: 

I don't know you and you don't know me. I've never stopped to ask your name, nor to share mine with you. But I hope to change that. One day. 

Maybe one day we'll cross paths just as you're ending a run. You'll slow to a walk, and I'll ease over to the side of the road. I'll see you, and you'll see me, and I'll let you know you've inspired me, that your daily effort doesn't go unnoticed, that I hope I'm only one of your many admirers. 

I'll say that it's easy to get sucked into the Netflix and chill lifestyle, that many people only know such and know it intimately. But people like you are a consistent reminder that there are better ways to spend time, that oftentimes, it's a beautiful day and I should go outside and run. 

One day, I'd like to convey these things to you. 

Hopefully,  I will.