Today I got to watch runners finish the annual One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon. As a coach of a group of runners this year, I was so excited as I met each runner who told me about the joys and sorrows of the race. The temperatures were in the 70s and humid, not ideal for running at all.
I talked with the 60something couple who had run the race before, but this was their first time doing a training program. They thanked me for all the advice I had given. They not only survived the day, but they enjoyed it.
I spoke to one woman who felt some pain at mile 11, and walked the rest of the race. It wasn't her race today, but she was upbeat as she told me this was one step towards her first marathon in the fall, as well as her first tri this summer. She ended the day with a smile.
I was so pleased as a 70something gentleman who was in his first half marathon, and had lost 75lbs to get to this point. He was sweaty, but happy and proud of what he had done. I gave him a high five and then said....."What's next?" He smiled back and said, "Anything I want to do."
I was so happy for my friend Michael who broke through the top 100 for the first time.
Not all the news was happy. There were the runners who limped in, their hearts heavy as they couldn't achieve a time today. There were the people who were, happy, yet sad, because loved ones they had hoped to run with are no longer with us. Running with a heavy heart is difficult. Still I pointed out they achieved something very special.
My friend Kris completed the race, and set a PR in the process. Proud does not begin to describe how I feel for her. I know raising three kids, keeping a watchful eye on a husband, and making sure the cats, fish, and other assorted pets are cared for, doesn't make for a lot of running opportunities. She takes full advantage of the running she can do, and today completed half marathon number two. She'll deny it, but I know there is a marathon in her......just not something she wants to think about today. :-)
Today's celebrations will resonate with all the runners for a while. Some are already planning their next race. Others are content to cross this off their Bucket List. One thing is for sure....everyone in today''s Mini worked had for their accomplishments...and I give them hugs and high fives for what they did.
Charlie
1 comment:
LOL! Thank you <3. There's nothing like being completely spent at 13.1 to realize total respect for the the full marathon distance. But, coming from you, maybe I do have that marathon in me... something to think about... after Geist :)
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