The Role of Support

My friend Melissa is running the Boston Marathon this morning. On Friday she told us the friend of hers who was going to run with her, had backed out, and she was heading out alone. I began to feel very badly, wishing I could give myself the time off to go and root for her.

Marathoning is a lonely race at times. What really helps is the support you get from family, friends, and assorted loved ones out on the course. Mile 16, and your legs are feeling heavy, and you know you are about to "hit the wall," it truly lifts you when you can see a friendly face, and hearing the cheer you on.

Last year a woman handed me a sign with her 16 year old son's name on it. It was his first marathon, and she was following him at various points on the course, but where I would be was not bike accessible. I took the sign, and as the kid came by, I lifted up the sign, and got my group to all chant his name. He smiled, and kept on going. Later he would tell me that turned out to be his fastest mile, because he felt energized when he saw and heard us.

For me, a pivotal moment in the Portland Marathon last year, was when I met up with Mark at mile 12. I was a bit soggy from the rain, and a achy. My energy rose once I saw him and got a much needed hug.

Waiting for a runner at a mile marker may not be the most exciting thing for the loved one, but I want them to understand that the simple act of being there is such an important part of the race for a runner.

Thanks to all the supporters who come to the races and cheer us on. Thanks for supporting your runner. Best of luck to Melissa today. I texted her yesterday to let her know I would be following her via alert texts. She texted back that she appreciated my support, and will keep my words of advice in her head and she gets through the tough parts of the course.

Charlie