Flying lost its innocence in 2001. Sadly, it seems we will mark 2013 as the year when running lost its innocence.

There is nothing that is as basic as running. You can do it by yourself. You can do it without any gadgets / tools / equipment. You can do it most anywhere. You do not need a lot of money to run – in fact the poorest countries – Ethiopia, Kenya, Jamaica have produced consistently great runners!

There was a time we ran to catch our food so we could eat. Now we run because of the amount of food we eat 🙂 There was a time mail was delivered by “runners” (running mailman). Now, we have problems running a postal system 🙂

But above all, every runner that you see on the road will tell you that they do it because it is “fun”. Some are competitive, some see it as a social activity – but all see it as a “fun” thing to do.

I should know. I am one. And I know many runners. Starting with my wife. And my closest friend. And my boss…

The important thing is that while some idiot might have taken the innocence out of running, it is up to us to keep the fun in running.

So, if you are a runner – continue to have fun. Go run with somebody you have not run in a long time. Inspire a child to run with you (bribes work more effectively on them 🙂 ) Get your family out for a Sunday run.
If you are not a runner – when you see a runner, do something fun. Lower your windows and wave at them as you drive by. They get a great kick and will wave back.
And if you are a Facebook friend of mine and follow my travels, drop me a note if I am near you if you want to go for a run, try out running or simply talk about running. I will surely be there to have some fun.