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by Michael Selman It has been said that runners have their best thoughts of the day while out running. Runner and writer Michael Selman shares his "Thoughts on Running" with us here at ontherunevents.com.
Yesterday morning, I was a part of a 6 person team taking part in a marathon relay. The race was 6 loops of local park, with each participant running a little more than 4.3 miles, and then handing off to the next runner on the team. I have never really run a relay like this before, and realized well before my leg that you have a very strong responsibility to your other team members, regardless of competitive level. When I started my leg, the 5th of 6, our mixed masters team was in third place. My responsibility was primarily to try to hold place for the anchor leg, as I was the weakest link on our team, and we had a very strong anchor leg. About two miles in to my run, a runner about 20 yards in front of me lost his balance on a piece of unleveled road, and fell very hard to the ground. He just lay there for a few seconds, and then let out a blood curdling yell. It was obvious he was in a lot of pain. In the next few seconds, so many things went through my mind. I had made a promise to always aid a fallen runner, but I never considered that it might happen in the middle of a race where other team members were relying on me. I also noticed volunteers, including a uniformed policeman at the intersection less than 1/4 mile up the road. I reasoned that the fallen runner needed more help than I could provide him, and I could make the volunteers aware of the situation as soon as I could get to them. I also was very confident that any injuries he might have sustained were not life threatening. I chose to pass him, but as I ran by, I told him I was getting help. At the intersection, as I passed, I told the officer that a runner had fallen and needed help. I never heard another word about the incident. I have no idea if he got up and finished his leg, or if he was taken away in an ambulance. My guess is that the latter is more likely. Our team ended up holding on to 3rd in the division, but this has been bothering me ever since. The award was satisfying, but at the same time a little bit blemished. It's tough when you find yourself in a lose-lose situation where you are going to be letting someone down either way. I'm sharing this mainly to see what other's take on it is. I really do feel that I made the best decision I could, with the given circumstances. I feel like I covered all the bases, but at the same time, it is never easy to leave a fallen runner in pursuit of your own personal goals. Michael Selman
Thanks Michael for sharing your "Thoughts on Running" with us here at ontherunevents.com Look here for more "Thoughts on Running" by Michael Selman
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Years ago, I was in a crowded race in North Carolina. Just after the
start, and older runner got tripped up, and fell hard to the ground. I'm
sure you're all familiar with the sickening splat sound that a fallen
runner makes as they hit the ground. I was selfish, and ran by him instead
of stopping to see if he was okay. I don't even remember what kind of time
I ran for the race, but I will always remember the guilt I felt at not
stopping to help a fellow runner. I vowed to myself at that time I would
never do that again. A fellow human being is more important than an
individual performance. I have had several opportunities to make good on
my word, and have ever since been true to it.