Three-year-old Clark, captured in a heartwarming video by her mother, Kimberly, encapsulates the bittersweet essence of running, a sentiment echoed by millions of runners worldwide. Her innocent yet profound observation that running feels like “suffering,” punctuated by dramatic panting and pronouncements of her racing heart, perfectly captures the arduous nature of the sport, while simultaneously highlighting the exhilarating feeling of being alive that follows. This duality, the simultaneous pain and pleasure, the exertion and the invigoration, is precisely what draws so many to the sport, and Clark, despite her tender age, seems to have grasped this intrinsic paradox.
Clark’s passion for running extends beyond simply mimicking the physical act. She embraces the entire ritual, from pinning on a pretend bib number and performing stretches to visualizing herself in starting blocks, a charming misunderstanding of marathon procedures. She even requests her parents to provide enthusiastic commentary on her imaginary races, mirroring the televised broadcasts she observes. This comprehensive embodiment of the running experience, from pre-race rituals to the post-run exhilaration, demonstrates her genuine engagement with the sport and her understanding of its multifaceted nature. It’s not simply about the physical act of running, but the entire performance, the mindset, and the emotional journey that accompanies it.
Kimberly, a seasoned runner and founder of FAST training plans with her husband, was both amused and impressed by her daughter’s articulation of the running experience. While expecting a simple declaration of love for running, she was caught off guard by Clark’s use of the word “suffering.” However, she realized that Clark’s subsequent declaration of feeling “alive” perfectly encapsulates the profound connection between the physical exertion and the resulting sense of vitality that runners often experience. This seemingly contradictory experience of simultaneous suffering and aliveness, Kimberly notes, is something deeply relatable to runners of all levels. Clark’s inherent understanding of this complex dynamic, likely absorbed from her lifelong immersion in the running world, underscores the powerful influence of a supportive and active environment.
Kimberly’s own running journey began with inspiration from her father, a marathon record holder. While her initial experience with running in high school was challenging, she discovered a deep passion for the sport in her late twenties. Her passion for running has become a shared family affair, with her husband and daughter often accompanying her on running adventures around the world. This family-centered approach to the sport highlights the potential for running to be a unifying and enriching experience, fostering both individual growth and shared memories. It also exemplifies how a passion for an activity can be passed down through generations, shaping family traditions and values.
The video of Clark’s running commentary, posted on Kimberly’s Instagram account, resonated deeply with a global audience, accumulating over 20 million views. Thousands of seasoned runners connected with Clark’s candid expression of the mixed emotions inherent in running, validating her simple yet profound observation. The overwhelming response to the video underscores the universality of the running experience and the shared sense of community that exists among runners, regardless of age or experience level. Clark’s innocent articulation of the “suffering” and subsequent joy of running transcended language and cultural barriers, resonating with runners across the globe who recognized the truth in her words.
For Kimberly, running is more than just a sport; it’s a celebration of movement and a source of joy. She hopes to instill this same positive association with physical activity in her daughter, emphasizing the privilege of movement and discouraging the societal pressure to use exercise as a form of punishment. Her focus on cultivating a healthy and joyful relationship with running reflects a broader commitment to fostering a positive body image and promoting a sustainable love for physical activity. Ultimately, Kimberly’s aim is to ensure that Clark’s passion for running remains rooted in genuine enjoyment and an appreciation for the inherent benefits of movement, rather than succumbing to external pressures or negative self-perception.
