Where Do You Stand

Running can take you further than just down the road.

James Kelley

The air is crisp and clean. The sun is just coming up and the birds let you know that you are infringing on their time of day. Even the water around your feet has a quiet calm about it. You breathe deep and feel the strength and power of this moment in time.

Now, take a look around. Do you see anyone fighting? Do you see anyone exchanging angry words? Do you care if the person you are standing beside is from somewhere other than your country? Do you care what colour their skin is? Do you care if they can even speak your language? Male or female? As a matter of fact, the guy who zipped up your wetsuit couldn't speak your language, but he knew what you needed.

In this brief moment, at the start of every Ironman, the world comes together. One single body headed in the same direction. Not just athletes, just people. It is no wonder that with such single-minded purpose so many cross the finish line on that day.

What could happen if the entire world really stood together on some selected morning, people of every continent, of every colour, of every creed, all facing in the same direction. Whatever that direction may be, imagine what would come of that.