Running For A Reason
By Beverly Gooding
When the good spring like weather arrived, I began a casual running routine Saturday & Sunday mornings. At first, a 1km run was a challenge, desperately needing to stop several times and wondering why I was really rolling out of bed at the crack of dawn. My original intention was to be healthy, enjoy the warmth of the morning sun, get a jump start on the day and enjoy 8 minutes of peaceful “me time”. That was the motivation – or was there a greater purpose?
On summer vacation I replaced 12 year old running shoes with a new pair of “real runners”. Wow, what a difference. Determined but unsure where the inspiration came from, gradually I increased my distance to 3 km. Mid-summer it was suggested I consider running in The Salvation Army Santa Shuffle, a 5km run raising money for their Christmas Program. At first I thought it was impossible, could I really run 5km? Was it an attainable goal (for an old gal!)? For the next few months, I worked hard running 4 times a week. Some days walking several times throughout 5km, and other days running it better than ever. Eventually a solid 5km happened.
On December 5th, 2009, a bright but chilly morning arrived in Toronto, along with the Santa Shuffle. The day I had trained for and looked forward to for months. Without much sleep, I felt like a child with the excitement and anxiety beginning to sink in. I couldn’t believe I had committed to run a 5 km race. I reminded myself, a runner I am not… determined I am.
At the starting line, I was surrounded by family, friends and staff from The Salvation Army’s Divisional Headquarters. With happy faces, Santa hats, jingle bells jangling, and the theme song from the movie Rocky playing loudly, I was truly inspired… The race began… we were off! I began running on sheer adrenaline or was it the sound of 700 participants running behind me? Eventually, I decided I best run at my own pace and not worry about getting run over! Beautiful scenery at Sunnybrook Park and happy supporters at each kilometer on the route was encouraging.
Crossing the finish line was something else. I completed the 5km Santa Shuffle! An emotional high and a great sense of accomplishment. As my children would say “awesome”. More importantly, with my supporters we were able to raise money for The Salvation Army. It was no longer about me, it was about others and giving back to my community to those in need. A wonderful and inspirational opportunity.
Thank you to my family, friends and financial supporters for all your encouragement and support. Special thanks to my 12 year old son Brady, and friends Christine & Matt for running with me. Thank you to all those that prayed for good weather! I could not have done it without you! I didn’t run the 5km alone, I ran it with all of my supporters in spirit!
For those that think a 5km run is a tough challenge, it is. Be determined, take one step at a time, and have faith. Whatever motivates you, you too can achieve your goal!
Leaving a high profile company, 2 years ago, Beverly accepted a wonderful opportunity working with The Salvation Army at Divisional Headquarters in Toronto. Thrilled to combine both her professionalism and compassion together and work for such a diverse & giving organization. She is able to see first hand what The Salvation Army does, and how many lives they touch. Beverly states she has been blessed by those she works for and is truly grateful for the opportunity to help others.
