Are you running??

Hey, listen here, do u know that running is the most democratic of sports?

Anyone can do it anywhere. It matters not if running athletes are rich or poor, female or male, old or young. Ethnicity, race, religious persuasion, and orientation are irrelevant. Size has no bearing. Location-location-location becomes anywhere-anytime-any distance in the runners' world. No rich franchise owners, therefore, anyone can be a race director. Running clubs and national organizations are staunchly democratic, with no aristocratic elite; they are open to all, and at every level.

The fact is, running can be done alone, or with small groups, or with thousands. Running is one of the oldest of athletic activities, and the most utilitarian in origin. Nobody asks a runner about occupation, but may inquire as to pace, base, and next race. No one tells a runner she is not welcome. It is wide open, for all.

It's proven that running is also the most portable of sports. It depends only on attitude, not on latitude or geographic location. Great runners come from all corners of the globe, and so do average and slow runners. And they come from all walks of life. Athletes stride through deserts, forest, and fields; runners enjoy riverside or ocean-side jaunts. Runners run up and down mountains. They run pretty much where and when they choose.

Forget about "Technology", it plays a very small role in running. Shoes are the only real investment required, and the technology for building running shoes and for developing shoe materials have advanced tremendously. But there is still relatively little expense.

At any level, racing is one of the healthiest of competitions, and the one with the least cost. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the running shoes and duds can go along easily—democratic and portable. The sport and the benefits are always readily available!

Some sports require expensive and complex equipment, along with fields and arenas. Sometimes these are unavailable, especially to the ordinary citizen. Always they are expensive. But growing up poor does not prohibit a child from growing up to be fast. Nutrition does play a role, as does health care availability, but usually it is available to all. On average, the sport of running costs much less than other organized sports, yet it provides so much enjoyment and so much benefit.

African runners, for example, compete on the world's roads and tracks. And they dominate with few, if any, sporting facilities in comparison with European countries. Technology and economic power aside, advanced countries can be beaten, and beaten badly, by teams from third world countries. Running is open to all, despite the age. Running is a natural and instinctive activity that can be begun at any age.

Exercise, health benefits, and enjoyment are common to most real sports, but few other competitive activities are readily available to those who wish to participate. Few sports give back a feeling of elation and exaltation, and few give one boundless energy, power, health, and quality of life. Few other sports provide such a sense of mission and accomplishment, and few are as specifically measurable in terms of progress and benefits. In whatever running event you are preparing for, a running program can be tremendously valuable. And it is available. There is nothing like it. Running is open to all-comers. Let me conclude again, "Running is a most democratic sport."

I ran in the rain today!!! I feel good...