I reluctantly started running in 2008. I say reluctantly because I never thought it was something for me.
First, the pinnacle of my athletic career was playing junior pro basketball … in elementary school. It only lasted a couple years, and I thought it was a better idea to peak at age 9, than chance it later in life.
Secondly, when I heard “running” or “jogging” the two words conjured Prefontaine-like images of white men wearing terry cloth sweat headbands and short shorts, and sporting classic 70’s mustaches. It wasn’t bad. I just couldn’t relate.
Lastly, for most black kids, if you are athletically inclined, unlike myself, you are encouraged to run shorter distances in track and field. And running just for the fun of it, well, that was something white people did.
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