Race Report: Freakishly Flexible 5K

Just like many of my friends across the Internet, I embarked last weekend on a 5K for someone very special: our friend Non-Runner Nancy.

Nancy, as you know, recently got the news that an injury may well prevent her from ever running again. US Jogger hosted a virtual 5K in her honor.

I kept my 5K simple - I ran my standard "easy three" course from home, throwing in that extra .1, of course. I put on my happiest running music, and thought of Nancy. I also thought of the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, and how Nancy must have felt upon hearing the bad news from her doctor.

Such a shame to throw it all away
The images grow darker still
Could I have been anyone other then me?


I know how sad she must feel, having to give up something she enjoyed so much... not just a hobby, but a lifestyle.

But I also know that Nancy has many, many other things in her life to be happy about. She has a husband who adores her, two fantastic little boys, and a legion of fans who will think of her as a runner even if she never runs another step. The words to that song go on:

And then I'll
Sing and dance and I'll play for you tonight
The thrill of it all
Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes
But I'll work it out


No matter how bad things may seem at any given moment, they will get better. The world we live in is full of beauty and love, even at the darkest times. I hope that Nancy can see that, if not now, then soon.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Time: 26:05
Lipstick: Red
Song: "Dancing Nancies," of course, by Dave Matthews Band