By Suzanne Schulz
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30 Sep, 2018
I have a friend, named Sarah. A friend for almost 30 years! When we met, we both worked at Lee Memorial Hospital in Ft. Myers, FL and later, we became roommates and shared an apartment. The rest, as they say, is history. A beautiful history of true friendship. Long ago in our lives, when we first met, Sarah would participate in the group exercise classes I taught at the hospital wellness center. She understood the benefits of exercise and knew it was well worth all of her efforts, but she always thought some of my OWN personal exercise indulgences were a bit intense. I was running outside - almost daily at the time. Sarah would get wide-eyed and wonder why I was doing THAT. She’d ask about the pounding she perceived on my body, my knees, and my back, and never understood how it didn’t hurt when I ran. She was amazed that someone, the same age as her, could carry on like I did. Running, definitely, was not her thing. Fast forward to last week. I called Sarah (she lives in Jacksonville, FL now), and smiled through conversation, as we caught up and shared our lives. “Hey”, she said, “Guess what?”. Without a breath or allowing a moment for me to guess, she commented, “I’m running a couple of miles, three times a week now." Silence. I had to remember who I was talking to. It was Sarah, my Sarah. She said running, running miles. “Wait”, I said and hesitated. “I am checking the caller ID. I did call my friend Sarah, right?” I asked. She giggled the giggle that only Sarah possesses. “I know”, she said, almost shocked by her own words. “I’m not running fast, I just go out for about 30 minutes, three times a week. I can’t believe how much better I feel. My knees feels better, I feel stronger, and my body feels good. It’s been terrific”. I smiled. “Wow”, I said. “That is amazing! Good for you”, I added. “I am so proud of you. This is quite an undertaking”, I said, like the proud friend that I am. “What’s up?” I asked. “Why running, why now?” Simply and straight forward, she replied, “Because I can”. She continued, “Some of my friends…well…they can’t move, or be as active as they would like. I have one friend with a chronic foot problem, and another undergoing cancer treatment. They can’t run, can’t move well, can’t DO….and I thought to myself… but I can. So I did.” I smiled another smile. I just love her. I experienced something along these same lines many years ago. I was recovering from a nasty virus and had a tough time working up to my regular running mileage and speed. It was discouraging. I remember it clearly. I was running the dirt roads up north near our family cabin. I was thinking about my dogs and how much they love to run with me, out in the fresh air and forest. Then, I thought of my brother’s dog, who had recently passed away. He loved the coolness of the shaded dirt roads and ran these trails many times. So, when I wanted to slow down or stop I would think about Chester … and run …for him. Still today, I try to dedicate miles to those I care for and during a run think of them or speak to them, laugh or cry with them, honor or remember them for an entire mile or more. One foot step at a time. They run with me, and it is so very enjoyable to have them near. I do…because I can. Hmmm. Definitely food for thought. In our own little world of activity, exercise and movement - there are days when exercise seems difficult, times we just don’t feel like moving or putting in the extra efforts. Yet somewhere, there is someone we know, who doesn’t have the choice. He or she…for whatever reason...cannot. Couldn’t we move for them? Wow. Consistently participating in our very own mode of exercise…moving and grooving…while carrying along with us those who cannot…because we can. I like it. The athletic company Nike may say, “Just do it”. But, when I think of my friend Sarah something better comes to mind “just do it…because you can”. Live well, Suzanne