Why How Quickly You Run the Race Doesn't Really Matter

My friend Murphy died this past August in a motorcycle accident.
It was really sudden and, of course, completely unexpected. And it still hurts sometimes.


Murphy and I met in grade school and a lot of my best childhood memories involve her. She always had a way of making everyone feel loved and included. 


Every time I work out, I wind up thinking about her because it reminds me of one of the many amazing things she did to change my life. 


I don't remember exactly how old we were, but it was in grade school some time. My class was running the mile for P.E. and my little, asthmatic self (though we didn't I had asthma at the time) was having a hard time and was getting discouraged. I wanted to start walking or just give up entirely, but Murphy was there to help me along. Instead of getting the best time she could have gotten, she slowed down to run with me. She ran by my side the whole time, encouraging me. I ran my first ever under 10 minute mile that day.


I didn't have the will or desire to run faster or continue on my own, but Murphy was there to help me, just like she always was. It wasn't the biggest gesture, but it changed my life. 


Next time you encounter someone who's struggling with something, no matter how small, remember that the simplest of actions can make a world of difference.