Run strong and refuse to give up

Throughout the winter months, Lilli, my 10-year-old daughter, has continued along her path of striving to become a better cross-country runner. Although I remain bewildered at the thought that people truly enjoy this sport, I have come accustomed to doing everything in my power to encourage my child and set her up for success. As we discussed the perfect training regimen, designed to make her a top-notch runner and athlete, Lilli voiced her desire to begin training on the steep hills of Skyline Drive in Carter County. Thinking to my self that this child would never be able to consistently train on the brutal environment I outwardly agreed that the course would enhance her abilities while inwardly chuckling a little bit at the thought of how this child will soon experience the full wrath of trying to run over a mountain.

Over the next few months, I watched as my child quickly displayed a determination I truly failed to recognize before that point. The child listened to guidance and before long she was running the course with little discomfort and even less stopping points. The entire regimen of getting in the car, turning up the air conditioner, and activating the vehicles hazard lights became tiresome, yet routine as the child stated she was ready to train and ol’ dad put a smile on his face, ensuring that his daughter knew he would sacrifice a little time to ensure her safety. As we prepared for the run this week something new happened. As Lilli stretched, her younger sister, Riyann stated her desire to run alongside her sister.

To gain a full glimpse of what transpired one must understand that Riyann and Lilli differ drastically in their qualities and strengths. Where Lilli is determined to excel academically and hates coming in second to anyone let alone her sister, Riyann is content hanging out, smelling the roses, and watching the wind blow, both are exceptional in their own way. On this day, Riyann was determined to tag along. Graciously, the older sibling agreed and encouraged her sister.

As the two started out, both performed well, remaining stride for stride with each other, both seemingly enjoying not only the fresh air of spring, but the competition brough about by the younger child engaging. As the curse moved into the predominantly uphill stage I observed as the younger sibling began to tire. Undoubtedly the tiredness stemmed from her lack of prior running in that manner or quite possibly her getting over the fun of running along side her sister. I watched as she began stopping more often, attempting to mask her pure, unrelenting exhaustion with simple gestures of picking flowers from the shoulder of the roadway. Recognizing her plight, I pulled up along side her and told her she could get in the car if she wanted. Striving to help the child maintain her pride, I explained that she did well and considering it was her first time running skyline, she should be proud, but could rest.

The child looked up to me, and quickly said, “nope, I have to finish with Lilli”, then turned and began running again. Although the act of actually running became simply a matter of a few steps at a time, the child persisted, trailing her elder sister as she ran. As I watched through the windshield, I could feel the burn which was taking place in the child’s legs and recognized the sharp pain piercing her sides. never less, she continued her course, thwarting several efforts by me to get her to give up and simply relax in the vehicle. Each time saying that she had to finish with her sister.

As we reached the final quarter mile I began conspiring with Lilli. Explaining that her sister was hurting since it was her first time, Lilli and I decided that we would forego the final segment. As Lilli told Riyann that the run was done for the day, I noticed something quite interesting. Riyann knew better. As Lilli attempted to shield her sister from any further pain Riyann simply turned, said, “no, we have to finish the course,” and began running again. Lilli quickly followed suit and the two children completed their two-mile run over hills and through valleys with their good old dad in tow.

The child and her self-described “jelly legs” entered the house where she proudly told her mother that her legs no longer worked, and she she may not survive but had helped her sister finish the race. Watching the child, I found an entirely new level of appreciation and pride as her father. Her perseverance and unwillingness to take the easy road revealed a side of her we had not seen. The thought of how in life we face what seems like the unsurmountable tasks or mountains placed in our path flashed across my mind. Riyann displayed through her actions that our successful maneuvering through those difficult and seemingly unachievable moments many times depends upon our ability to remain persistent and never give up. Today a 9-year-old child taught me that only through a full commitment and desire to overcome all the temporary pain and suffering which comes along with success, can we achieve the greatness we are. Run strong my friends, keeping the finish line in sight while taking a moment to enjoy the flowers along the way.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.