Sprinting and Walking

An incredibly free-spirited “sprint and walk” through the bridal path this morning with Achilles Athlete and accomplished artist Lizzie Tian. Lizzie communicates by creating beautiful artwork that is a window into her world, and her work was recently featured at the Guggenheim Museum (!). Much of Lizzie’s work, which can be found on an Instagram page maintained by her mother (see link below), draws inspiration from running with Achilles in Central Park.  

As we ran around the bridal path together, I realized that these are Lizzie’s observations for her next masterpiece—wonder what it will be! I sense that Lizzie not only expresses herself through artwork, but also from the way she runs. When the moment strikes, Lizzie will burst into an all-out sprint, and I can barely keep up (sprinting has never been a favorite of mine). At other times, the mood is quieter and we walk together, taking in the wonders of nature along the bridal path: luscious trees and blooming bushes of flowers, but also kids throwing tantrums, a guy in a gray shirt soaked in sweat, and an older couple walking together, both leaning on the man’s walker. 

The run is raw and honest. We walk and we pant, and we soar and we pump our arms, all the while observing and enjoying. I can’t help but question whether this is healthier than trying to maintain a consistent pace. Throughout my years on my track team at school, I’ve always been taught that maintaining a consistent pace is key for success. My track team defines success as winning the race. But Lizzie defines it as something else. Something more personal. Something honest and raw and meaningful.  As always, I am humbled and inspired by the Achilles Athletes I am paired with. 

With permission from Lizzie’s mother (Sharon Zhang), I am sharing a link to Lizzie’s Instagram page where you can find out more information on her artwork:  @artlizzieasd