Today I skipped a 10-mile run because it was raining. Not just raining, but pouring — one of the first of many signals that we’re heading into fall here in the Pacific Northwest. While the rain may have dampened my motivation today, there is something motivating thousands of others to run all across the country this weekend: the commemoration of 9/11 victims.
Since 2002, the running community — which has raised millions for huge causes — has organized dozens of runs around the U.S. to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. This weekend alone there are five races, including the Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5-K today, which courses along the Pentagon where American Airlines flight 77 crashed.
If you’re a runner/walker and will be in Brooklyn, NY on September 24, you might consider joining 10,000 other runners for the Tunnel To Towers Run/Walk 5K, which has already raised more than $2 million for such causes like the New York City Fire Fighters Burn Center.
Since I can’t locate a run in my region, my running partners and I decided that while we may skip the soggy stroll today, we’ll run in memory of our 9/11 friends tomorrow. Won’t you join us? That’s the thing about running or walking. Though it unites us, it also has huge individual benefits: a recharged spirit, a clearer mind, a stronger body. It is also a great forum for reflection and contemplation. And it can provide a sense of action and movement — especially meaningful when we want to do something in the light of crisis but just aren’t sure what to do.
See you on the roads …
Author by Kristi Anderson
