Your Going The Wrong Way!

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." -Soren Kierkgaard

         This past Sunday I ran my fifth complete race going backwards.  It never gets old hearing all the surprised comments.  "your kidding right," "your not really going to run the entire race backwards," and my most favorite "something's wrong with you."  People are still easily surprised at things that are different.  A friend of mine was telling his co-workers the story of how I ran almost six miles backwards (5.7 to be exact), which they replied with a resounding why?  Before I could respond this friend said "because he can."  As if I'm running backwards to show off.  I assure you that is not my intention.  

 

         For me running backwards stemmed from an awful marathon experience.  My second marathon.  Which was the ING Miami Marathon and it took place on a very warm day that started out with torrential down pours.  The heat really took a toll on me and instead of walking I decided to attempt to run backwards to use different muscles.  I knew nothing about running backward, I didn't even really know how to run a marathon at this time.  All I knew was I was exhausted and walking was only going to prolong the pain and suffering I was feeling.  I stopped, turned myself around (I didn't do the hokey pokey), and just started running.  

 

         I planned on just running a mile, but the crowd started cheering for 'the backwards runner' and I felt obligated to continue running that direction until I was no longer in view.  I wasn't about to disappoint the people of Miami.  I ended up running closer to three miles backwards and believe it or not my legs once turned and moving in the correct direction felt rested.  I finished the race forward and ever since I have run one race a year backwards.  

 

         I have to thank Rod Messenger for being my guide this past Sunday.  Even if at one point he was too busy talking about Volvo's with another runner to see me going into a hole that could swallow a small dog.  I didn't fall, but I sure came close.  Also a thank you to my caring wife who comes back for me every time I do this to myself.  Running backwards gives you a new perspective on life, just know that your world literally spins around once you finish and face forward not to mention your calves will be screaming at you for a few days after.

Till we run into each other again...