I don’t know much about the photo. Apparently it’s from a race in the past. It’s one of those images that comes floating across twitter as a throwaway memory. I do know one thing:
Every time I look at it, I smile.
The twitter description reads simply: “Remember that time a random lady decided to join in on the pack of 20k runners at the New Haven Road Race? Good times.”
I wish I knew the woman’s story. I guess I know enough from the face. She’s having so much fun. I’m doubting she threatened the guys for the overall win, but for a few glorious strides, she was mixing it up, sandals and shopping bag and all.
Like the devil guy on Alp D’Huez, like a kid high-fiving a player coming off the field, she was there. And she kicked some butt.
Never forget running is supposed to make you happy. If it’s not, figure out why and fix it.
Maybe start with sandals and a shopping bag.
She might have thought she was getting beaten to the mall.
That photo is one of the best joyful expressions of being human I have ever seen.