Support

I would like to say that a marathon is an individual goal, but that goal is not achieved individually. We runners value the support and encouragement of our friends, family and loved ones. I was reminded of this last Sunday during the half marathon.

My friends Sarah and Mark brought their girls out to cheer and support me. Mark brought the bike so he could meet me at various mile markers to give me Gu or water. Sarah had the girls out to cheer me on. Cecilia, their oldest (3), looked so happy to see me at the mile 3 mark. She was beaming as I waved at her.

Mile 10 though was the key for me. They there were again. This time they had a sign cheering me on. I gave Cecilia a high five, and she looked so happy!

I was also happy to see my other Mark. He says he saw me at Mile 11, but I did not hear him. I saw him though once I crossed the finish line. A smiling face is always a joy to see at the end of a race.

So now we come to the marathon. I am developing my plan for the day. I have some friends who will be my road crew. I just have to figure where to have them meet me. I also have some friends ready to pop out and cheer me on. This is a major reason why I want to do Chicago - that hometown feeling, and all my friends will be there.

The people in our lives may not always understand this insanity we call running, but one thing is for sure, they know what it means to us, and we are so glad they are there to cheer us on! Thanks to those wonderful people.

:-)Charlie