The Six-Step Sprint

I was witness this past week to a possible new sport that could sweep the world and usher in a new category of athlete. What event did I witness? The Six-Step Sprint.

I had the pleasure of attending a local high school football game. As I made my way to my seat I saw The Six-Step Sprint taking place all around me. Young people would be walking along surveying the crowd when all of a sudden they would spot a friend or group of friends and sprint the six steps needed to close the gap to their friends. Once arriving at their friend's location sometimes they would squeal and hug each other, sometimes they would tap or punch a friend in the arm or back but more often than not they would say "Y'all guess what?" Then they would regale their friends with some story about themselves or gossip about a classmate who wasn't present.

There are levels of difficulty that can be added to The Six-Step Sprint. The sprinter may have to weave his or her way over, around or through large crowds in order to reach the finish line. This could involve turning sideways while sprinting or stooping down while sprinting or even in some cases knocking a person out of the way while sprinting. In the case of bumping someone out of their sprinting lane the young person would on occasion offer up a muffled "sorry" as they sprinted past.

But perhaps the most difficult feat I saw six-step sprinters take on was the sprinting while holding food and drink obstacle course. These hard-charging contortionists would be holding a hot dog in one hand, a large drink in the other and still navigate their way through a crowd of people to reach their friends in record time. All this while never even ruffling the mustard on their hot dog. There is, of course, a point reduction for dropping your food while sprinting but in most cases, these athletes cannot be bothered with a fallen frankfurter, they had friends to get to.

The best of the best six-step sprinters were fast, nimble, calculating and quick. But to be labeled a professional six-step sprinter an athlete would need to sprint in a crowd holding a tray of nachos in one hand and grasping the hand of their boyfriend/girlfriend with the other hand. These dashing duos were an amazing sight to see. Their choreography was impeccable and their ability to focus and turn on a dime was truly remarkable.

Oh to be young and energetic enough to want to sprint to enjoy the company of someone. The squeals, screams, hugs, handshakes, fist bumps and arm punches all speak to the enthusiasm of friendship. These are magical times that we have all experienced and I'm sure fondly remember. But do they need to be just memories? Life is much better when enjoyed in the company of true friends. Who would you sprint to today if you saw them across the room? Some of you would probably say that is the folly of youth. I would challenge you to embrace The Six-Step Sprint philosophy and implement it into your closest friendships today. You don't have to sprint when you see your friends but make sure they know that you value their friendship and you consider yourself lucky to call them friend.

Take a few minutes and think about who are your six-step sprint worthy friends. Do they know how much you cherish the happiness they bring to your life? Imagine your life without them. Not a very good thought is it? Tell them what they mean to you. You will be glad you did.

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." -- Marcel Proust