It has been a while since I have physically participated in Running Hour, due to an injury that I obtained in November 2019. I broke my arm with a double fracture and have been advised not to do any sports that involve a lot of people for a few months. Therefore, I have been quite an inactive member of the service and hope to be able to join back soon.
I have been feeling quite conflicted about not being able to participate in this service for the moment. On one side I understand it is beneficial to my health to eliminate all possible risks to ultimately avoid surgery, however, on the other side it made me think about the people we interact with in Running Hour. A majority of the people suffer so much on a daily basis- doctor’s appointments, limitations due to their health, stigma, discrimination etc., but Running Hour is their ‘safe haven’ in a sense. A few hours in a week where they can experience being in a community that ‘understands’ them and wants to make interactions easier and better for them. It is an opportunity for them to let go of that restrictive lifestyle and experience something more, perhaps, conventional. Yet, it is ironic how that same situation for me, right now, is one that I have to distance myself from to maintain my health. Coming from a place of privilege, never having been ‘categorised’ or felt like I had less opportunities due to my mental and physical wellbeing, this place is new territory. Not one that evokes self-pity, but one that evokes reflection and gratefulness for the times that I was able enough to have chosen the activities that I want to take part in from a multitude of opportunities. There is, perhaps, a sense of guilt and shame there as well, having witnessed the will power and determination of people that evidently have a harder time doing the things I do on a daily basis. It makes me want to push myself harder and out of my comfort zone.
Ultimately, it is important that I look at this time away from Running Hour as a time of reflection and self realisation. It is helping me understand the ways of a world beyond me and look at my hardships as what they really are- just obstacles. Taking the time to recognise my privilege is necessary for me to able to participate in this service humbly and generously. I hope to be able to participate in Running Hour again soon.
