Most Memorable Runs

What makes a run one you’ll recall weeks, months, even years hence, that will continue to inspire you, make you feel grateful, joyous, thoughtful, introspective or sooth a hurt?

Perhaps you came to a realization that made a change in your life, celebrated an event or were in a place that held special meaning for you.

Below is a sampling of memorable runs by area runners.

When my dad died, I flew home from Morocco tired, stressed and jetlagged. I couldn't sleep so I got up at 4:00 a.m. and went for a run. I remember thinking that running had saved my life--several times. I was back home by 6:30 a. m. My brother was up. “Hey, wanna go for a run?”

“Too late, I already ran 16.” That run got me through the day of my dad’s memorial service.

I keep going back to this run that I had long ago.  It was simply out my front door after work, at dusk, onto the Highline Canal, my normal route.  My kids were little so I was happy to have a moment to myself.  I wasn’t planning to run more than four miles.  It was snowing lightly, with a little accumulation, quiet in that way that the falling snow makes things. I remember thinking, “This is just so nice and peaceful.” I still have this memory of such a pleasant, relaxing run, perhaps because usually snow is more a pain in the neck than peaceful.  That run has stuck with me for 20 years.

 Tokyo!  My first and last marathon on the occasion of my 65^th birthday, high fiving with volunteers along the way, partaking in wine and beer stops en route, but skipping the mystery foods as I headed for a slow and comfortable 5-plus hour finish time. Most challenging was finding friends at the end among 35,000 runners before indulging in a hot water soak and a celebratory margarita.

At a half marathon in Hawaii, as Frank Shorter presented my award, I mentioned that I was from Colorado. We chatted for a moment and then he gave me a hug and kissed my cheek.  For the rest of the day, I kept saying, “'Wow, I got kissed by Frank Shorter.” At a recent half in Massachusetts, I met and talked with Bill Rodgers. No kiss this time but I got his autograph. He wrote, “Let’s run forever.”

The sheer joy of realizing I could run again following hip surgery overwhelmed me on my first time out the door.  I paused for a light to turn, and began to sob uncontrollably. As I crossed the street, a lady on the other side asked if I was alright. It was my pleasure to assure her that I was.

I ran the Marine Corps Marathon with my son when he was recovering from an injury and spending long hours at work. This meant that I could actually keep up with him!  We talked the entire way and at the end I was stronger and “carried” him through the last 6 miles.  That day I became his running buddy rather than his aging mother.  We crossed the finish line holding hands and he choked up at the end.  It was my best run ever.