A few weeks ago following an Experience Triathlon Run Club, I sat and talked with Elena Tawney, a former high school runner and soccer player that has taken up the triathlon.

We shared some stories about running and she brought up the fact that she’s excited to have her daughter Maura running middle school cross country.

This week her daughter ran in one of the final meets of the season, and we gathered to watch 50 girls compete on a windy, chilly afternoon.

“It’s been so good for Maura to do cross country,” Elena related. “She’s made friends she would never have met otherwise. And the running helps her focus, because she’s on the autism spectrum.”

With her father Jeff Nyman cheering her on, Maura ran near her best of 17:30 for the two-mile distance.

Running is certainly a unifier of people and spirit. The crowds cheering on the runners recognized the effort of every girl and boy out there covering the two-mile distance.

So elemental. So vital. And we hope your running feels the same to you.