I was walking down the street near my home on an evening stroll, when a chiseled specimen came toward me from the opposite direction.

He was out on an evening run and was making some really incredible time.

I was out walking, trying to get a bit of exercise, and I think he could tell.

My pace was the 20-minute mile and he was running a 5-minute mile, but as he passed he put his fist in the air and pumped it. Twice.

And it seems like a really small gesture but everything he was able to communicate in that relatively subtle action is remarkable.

And sure, maybe he didn’t intend everything that I read, but this is what I felt him say with that move.

• I see you
• We’re both out here gettin’ it done!
• Don’t quit
• I’ll be here again tomorrow. Will you?

Well fist-pumping stranger, yes, I will.