Runner Insight

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In January of 2003 I took a 3 week vacation to visit a friend of mine who lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Although I had been as far as Canada and Mexico, this was the first time I had ever ventured that far out of the country. 

Having settled in at my friend’s home in Sao Paulo, after a week she surprised me with a trip to visit the coastal island of Floripia. The trip involved a short flight to the beach resort town. To say that Floripia was beautiful is an understatement.  With expansive, sandy beaches and that kind of distinct blue color only found in the ocean, I was in awe at the grandeur and majesty of the place.

One of my fantasies had always been to run along the beach.  But I hadn’t ever lived even remotely close to an ocean shore, so I had never had the opportunity to indulge in that dream other than in my imagination.

Since my host lived in one of the largest cities in the world, I hadn’t really planned on running while in Brazil. I was tickled with the prospect of going out for a run on Floripia.  And not merely running, but running on a beautiful, deserted sandy beach! 

I always have running gear with me, for who knows when just such an occasion will arise, so I got up early one morning, my mind set on running along the shore.  Having walked the beach the day before, I knew it was about 3 miles which would make for a nice short run. 

I brought along my camera, wanting to get the sunrise over the ocean on film.  Oh boy! I was not disappointed!  I was able to take some of the best pictures I have ever taken.  And with the most perfect backdrop anyone could ask for!  Talk about heaven….

After taking some pictures, I began a slow, but very pleasant run down the shore. The air was salty and warm.  I expanded my chest, taking in lungful after lungful of inspiration, wanting to imprint the entire experience of the run in my mind and body and soul. 

About half way down the beach, I was joined by two dogs.  They were so excited and playful, and content to run along beside me.  Happy for the company, as due to allergies I have no dogs of my own, I found it comforting: a sense of security having these dogs with me.

I could tell I was getting close to the end of the beach.  There were huge boulders stopping me from going any further.  I guess I could have climbed over them. But the thousands of sea spiders sunbathing on the rocks warned me away, and I was quite willing to turn around.  

Before I did though, I wanted to take some pictures of myself with the ocean in the background.  I put the camera‘s timer on and made my way to the water.  As I turned to pose for the shot, my tail-wagging, frolicking companions decided they too wanted to be in the picture. And no doubt, they deserved to be….let’s give acknowledgement where it is due.

My two enthusiastic furry friends ran all the way back to the entrance of the beach with me. Then they were gone.  When I turned around, they were nowhere to be seen….

Maybe the dogs belonged to the fishermen who were nearby, casting their nets out to sea, or perhaps they were sent there just for me: to watch over me on my dream run in a foreign and enchanted place.

Wherever they came from, I have always been grateful for their companionship that day. I call them my angel dogs.

How ‘bout it?

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