Western States in Retrospect
Western States reminded me that we are all humans
It took me a few days to process everything that happened around and inside of me during Western States but since yesterday I am amped up about putting it all to paper. In fact I already wrote 15+ pages which is totally useless for Instagram postings or stories. Even for my website / blog it is simply too much. I have no idea what I’m going to do with all these thoughts and reflections, but right now I aim to make this journey a round piece for now, for you and me. This is my shot.
Western States reminded me that we are all humans.
We are imperfect and fragile beings, who rather stumble through life than march.
With every step we carry all the pain we ever experienced in life. But also all the love and joy.
We study tenaciously to find out we know nothing.
We never truly believe in ourselves until everything falls apart and we have start from scratch.
We love and support others selflessly and get even more love in return.
We fear to face or reveal our weaknesses and dark sides for no good reason.
We strive for perfection, but fail terribly.
We loose hope and look for salvation in giving up on ourselves.
Our bodies bend for a long time, but eventually break. Just to heal again when we least expect it.
We are often late to realize that life and running is not about numbers and calculations, but about the beating of our hearts and what that rhythm means. Or, in case of Ruth Croft, about dinosaurs.
Yes, we are humans. And that’s wonderful thing.
This race has taken everything from me. And then it gave me back more than I have ever possessed. Western States changed my life and I am deeply thankful for that.
