August 12, 2005Why I Run(Written by Adam following the Mt. Ashland HillClimb Run)Let me tell you some details of my life that I normally don’t share. I was born, 25 years ago, with a genetic disorder called Pfeiffer Syndrome. This syndrome caused malformations in my hands, feet, and skull. I have had over 20 surgeries to reverse the effects; the final two are this December and in July 2006. Despite obstacles and setbacks (so many that I cannot count), I have managed to live a “normal” life. I no doubt have had my share of depression – I thought about suicide four years ago – but one of my strengths is to keep my head high. Coupled with my syndrome, I was born with determination and courage. My durability and endurance have kept me going. Indeed, I do not live in the institution that my Mom and Dad were told I would be in for the majority of my life. And, I not only graduated from high school, which school psychologists said I could not do, but also graduated from college with a major in History, and minors in English, Psychology and Sociology. I accomplished all of this with the support of a wonderful family (parents, brother, and a sister that so many people would love to have), a best friend who knows more of my own personal secrets than does anyone else, and a running career that started 10 years ago. Indeed, my running career “saved” me. It gave me confidence, meaning and self-worth. You might say it is my lifestyle. Avid runners, such as my friends Rachael and Erin, not only understand this, but share it, also. This understanding bonds us together. We also try to find something personal in running. Rachel, Erin and I have been running for so long that it can be difficult to find the personal appeal. When it is found, we savor the flavor for as long as possible. Last weekend, I found it once more… After taking two years off from competing, I decided to start racing again. My longest run in the last two years was seven miles, but Rachel and Erin convinced me to run the Mt. Ashland HillClimb Run, a half-marathon that covers 13.1 miles. (This run was a little longer, 13.3 miles). I planned to run six or seven miles, and then walk the remaining distance. Nothing could prepare me for what was ahead. From start to finish, I would climb 5600 feet in elevation (finishing at 7200 feet above sea level), with temperatures that rose over 30 degrees during the course of the race. Nevertheless, I had such an adrenaline rush at the seventh mile that I kept on running. The eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh miles passed. I ran with every ounce of energy; I ran when my bones ached and my muscles burned battery acid. The last three tenths of a mile had an increase of 1000 feet in elevation. The previous 13 miles had been covered by tree shade, but now there was nothing to protect me from the blistering sum. My shoulders perspired sodium, and sweat poured from every inch of my body. And yet, I kept on climbing in the 95-degree heat. Three and a half hours after I began, I finished. It was by far the most challenging race I had ever run. Knowing that I won my age division made the experience even better. All I could think about was the cold beer that had been waiting for me at the finish line and how I never wanted to do something like this again. Indeed, when I finished running the 11th mile, it felt like I had run 18…Rachel concurred. Nevertheless, after that final hour of uphill running, all I could think about was doing the Mt. Ashland HillClimb Run in 2006. Why? Let me tell you… During the 11 miles that I ran, all I could think was “I am doing something that my doctors and school psychologists said I would never be able to do.” I had defied all the obstacles and setbacks, even a confrontation with death. (I have often wondered if there is a Higher Power that believed it was not my time.) When making the four-hour drive back to Arcata, as Rachael and Erin slept, I thought about the race and my life’s obstacles. And I remembered for the first time in a long time, why I run: the purpose of my life is to inspire people. I will continue to run, and I will continue to inspire, because that is my purpose. I hope you find inspiration in this story, and you are able to overcome obstacles and setbacks of your own, and find a deeper meaning in life, the purpose of your own life. A life without purpose is not worth living. |