The inaugural Conn Cougar 5K took place this past Saturday. At first, the idea was met with hesitation. But we pushed forward, relentlessly. And so on March 2, 318 people crossed that start line and 318 people experienced the joy of racing. The joy of cheering. And the electric energy of connection. My belief is running makes the world a better place, and that belief was further cemented into my being this past Saturday. On March 2, 2024, I made running not about my finish time, but about sharing it with others. And that has given me more purpose than any race I’ve ever entered for myself.
I have been fortunate enough to enter more races than I can remember. From the first 5K to the first marathon, the feeling of crossing those first start lines is still a core memory. As is the feeling of crossing those first finish lines. It’s hard to forget that feeling of triumph when you just did something you once thought impossible. Or that feeling of connection as strangers cheer you along. Or the kinship that exists between you and another runner wearing the same finisher’s medal. In my mind, races highlight all that is right with humanity and helps us to see the universal thread that connects us all. We are all trying. We can all appreciate the cheers and support from those around us and there is this warm, fuzzy feeling that arises with us when we connect with one another.
My community centers around running. But there are so many other amazing people who don’t run 5Ks for Thanksgiving. There are people who have never run a race before or experienced the joy that happens on race day. I wish I could remember all of the people who have shared with me over the past week how much fun they had on Saturday. How much fun their kids had and how the entire event was such a positive experience. One mom emailed me to say that her kids haven’t stopped talking about the race all weekend. Another shared that she had never participated in a race before and she couldn’t believe how much fun it was. In a previous life I was a teacher. Every other week I would have cafeteria duty and I can remember being able to walk into the cafeteria and sensing whether or not a fight would break out. Energy is palpable. And the more positive energy we can put out into the world, the better. For so long, I’ve wanted to find a way to use running as a way to bring about more positive energy. I, along with the amazing help of Amanda and Wes, did that on Saturday. And I think a few parents (and kids) may have caught the running bug.
I did my job and can’t wait to do it all over again next year.