I was 14 years old when I found out that I was actually a fast runner. At that time when I played any sport, even if I did not exert myself or run very much, I would get terrible pain in my legs. As an adult, because of a couple of muscles on one side of my body having developed slightly less than the other side, doctors figured I may have had a touch of polio. Because of the pain, I did not run very often, and when I did – never ‘full out’. Hence, in any race, etc, I was usually last, and in my mind was a slow runner. I think motivation can push people to become better at most things! Visualize a house with no other homes within 100 yards in any direction, no yard lights, and the owner of the house having the reputation of ‘skinning kids alive’! I have no idea what we were planning to do to this persons property (as a trick), but being Halloween - just think of the reputation we would get for ‘being brave enough to do it". So continuing to visualize, three of us, me, another 1 year older and the third 3 years older than I – sneaking up on this house. When we got fairly close a loud booming voice broke the silence – 'Who’s there?' We immediately started to run, and as I had often feared, with every step I was being left further behind. Once more this voice “Stop” (panting, damn he is going to catch me – my companions are leaving me so far behind – come on legs, move). On a crisp, cool night, sound seems to be louder than normal – not sure how you visualize a sound… but try a shot gun! Remember the mention of motivation? I passed the first of my friends in about 5 seconds and the second within 10 – and from there, they were history. I am sure the person did not fire ‘at’ us, but in a way I should thank him for teaching me about motivation, and how in later years in the military, I actually ran in relay races, always with the thought of someone behind me with a shot gun shouting – Stop!
No comments:
Post a Comment