The crisp morning air bites at my cheeks, a familiar sting that wakes up every nerve ending. The starting gun cracks, a sharp punctuation mark against the nervous chatter, and then we’re off. A surge of bodies, a symphony of pounding feet, and the familiar rhythm begins. This is it. This is Delicious Goodness #1.
For those who don’t know, “Delicious Goodness #1” isn’t a fancy energy gel or a secret training technique. It’s the raw, unadulterated joy of the run itself. It’s the feeling of your lungs expanding, your muscles working in perfect harmony, the world blurring at the edges as you settle into your pace.
Today, like every race day, I toe the line with a mix of anticipation and nerves. I’ve trained hard. I’ve put in the miles. I’ve visualized the course. But the truth is, on any given day, anything can happen. The runner next to me might be faster. The hill might feel steeper than I remember. A sudden cramp could throw everything off.
And that’s okay.
Because being a runner isn’t just about crossing the finish line first. It’s about the journey. It’s about the commitment. It’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and pushing your limits, regardless of the outcome.
I run every race like a great runner should. That doesn’t mean I always win. In fact, the victories are often few and far between. There are races where my legs feel heavy from the start. There are races where the mental battle is tougher than the physical one. There are races where the disappointment stings, a bitter taste that lingers long after the cheering fades.
But even in those moments, I keep running.
I dig deep. I find that extra reserve of strength I didn’t know I had. I focus on the next step, the next breath. I remember why I started running in the first place – the freedom, the challenge, the connection to myself and the world around me.
And I keep running until the race is complete.
Because that’s the essence of Delicious Goodness #1. It’s the unwavering commitment to finish what you started. It’s the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. It’s the understanding that every race, win or lose, teaches you something valuable about yourself.
Today, as I navigate the twists and turns of the course, I’ll push myself. I’ll listen to my body. I’ll celebrate the small victories along the way – a strong climb, a steady pace, the encouragement from the crowd.
And when I cross that finish line, whether it’s with a triumphant surge or a weary stumble, I’ll know I gave it my all. I ran like a great runner should. And that, in itself, is a delicious kind of goodness.
So, to all my fellow runners out there, keep putting one foot in front of the other. Embrace the challenge, celebrate the effort, and never underestimate the power of finishing. Because in every race, in every run, there’s a delicious goodness waiting to be discovered.
See you on the road (or the trail)!
Demby's Playful Parables 