Another long run into new territory
Through snow, showers and sunshine I ran. This week’s long run again took me further than I have ever run before. On Saturday mornings I plot a new course to places I have not been before, then with my pockets stuffed with maps printed from www.mapometer.com I set out, come snow or sun. Yesterday, it was snowing. I must keep going if I am to run the London Marathon, and after some 20 miles this is a mantra I repeat as I put one foot in front of the other, and keep pushing on.
I’d call this discipline, but this word has negative connotations, particularly for those young people who may have felt the rough edge of discipline in school or at home. We have therefore adopted the term ‘stick-ability’ to represent a continued focus on a desired goal, the commitment to achievement, the resolution to stay the course. The YMCA have just appointed a couple of young researchers to consult with a broad range of young people about what really makes a difference to their lives. Armed with a set of ‘capabilities’ cards each suggesting a different concept of character – such as self-esteem, the ability to hold a conversation, the ability to negotiate, responsibility and stick-ability- our young consultants will run a series of focus groups through which they will stimulate discussion about what capabilities or characteristics support young people in making a succesful transition to independent (or interdependent) adulthood.
I recently heard a story about a woman who would, on her daily run, pass a homeless hostel. Standing around the door, the guys used to wave and cheer her on. One day, she stopped by and asked if anyone wanted to join her. The centre now has a running club, and those who live in the hostel thank her for giving them something to aim for, a sense of progress and a feeling of achievement, of fulfilment, that they are also benefiting from in other parts of their life.
For now, I will stick to running for the YMCA, for raising money and awareness about the excellent work that this charity does for young people, many of whom would otherwise be homeless. And I look forward to seeing if stick-ability makes the final cut as young people determine what ten capabilities are most important in their lives.
