Run Zola, Run!

We all remember the "story" of Zola Budd.  Or at least parts of it. 
One of my most poignant childhood memories is during the summer of 1984, running barefoot through the front lawn, pictures of Zola Budd dancing through my mind.  Wanting to be Zola.  I can't now say how I felt about that fateful incident between she and Mary Decker, but what I remember is that I wanted to run free.  And barefoot seemed the best way to accomplish that. 
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And so I thought Zola was cool.  It didn't hurt that I also liked the way her name rolled off my tongue.  Zo-la.
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Reading the latest Runner's World article  on her life, has brought knots to my stomach, to think this was the "real story", the one grown ups of the time wanted to believe.  
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But what is truly refreshing, lies at the heart of why Zola runs, why any of us run.  To be free.  With shoes, or without.  Running reminds me of my childhood, of escaping expectations, or the call to clean your room. 
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The smell of fresh cut grass in the summer, or the cool crisp fall air on new fall day, not unlike today.  A gentle breeze as your legs stretch and stride, sweat dripping down your neck.  The quiet calm as your mind settles into the rhythmic breathing deep in your chest. 
This is freedom, and I am at peace. 
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Why do you run?