Running Partners, Part 3

A gentle eight miles this morning along the L.A. river—my current regular stomping ground. The air is a little dirty today as the second round of Malibu fires is scorching lands to the north of Long Beach and Los Angeles. As I write, they are contained. Clearing completed, it seems.

Today's run, while "alone," included a fun new component. I am now taking with me a precious piece of paper that energizes my commitment in profound ways. How is it that a piece of paper can do this? It contains a growing list of those who have stepped forward to donate money via my marathon training to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

I figured, Hey, I'm training for a marathon anyway, why not add a service component to that training too? Now, my goal includes raising several thousand dollars too. It's an ever-spiraling upward cycle of giving. I love that!

So now, I no longer train alone. I carry the willingness, compassion, intentionality, and active citizenship of all those supporting my fundraising. Wow! Our collective hearts are aligning to make a real difference, and we all get to benefit in the process.

This is one of the best kept secrets around: giving is a lie! More on that another day.

This inner conversation between running "alone" and running in a group has found new ground in me this week. Last weekend's dolphins have been on my mind.

After several weeks training with the fabulous Long Beach Team in Training group, it seems that I am the quickest of the troops. There are some quicker trainers, including the radical Todd who runs barefoot! But amongst the body of runners in our group, I find myself out in front.

I had toyed with the idea of using L.A. as a qualifying marathon for Boston. But if I do that, I'll be running alone on our Saturday training runs, seeking to build a faster and faster pace and more strength. Already, I'm enjoying the camaraderie of a group run in my schedule. I cherish my solo runs during the week, but with this group, this service focus, these individuals, it's divine.

So for me, the stretch is to slow down. "To be in a hurry," says inspirational career coach Rick Jarow, "is a symptom of scarcity." I would rather run L.A. with my crew, encouraging each other on, and, amongst other things, hear about Tiffany's love life and Kimberley's intense work as a police officer at LAX.

There is indeed richness in slowing down, connecting, and celebrating the diversity, beauty, and courage of the human spirit. So from here on, my L.A. Marathon goals are no longer time-based. They are joy-based.