Every Now and Then

In my job, every now and then, I hear something from someone which takes me a back for the moment, but once I have thought it through, it reminds me why I love what I do. This spring I am coaching folks for their spring half marathons. I know the people who I help train appreciate what I do. Still it's nice when someone makes a point of telling you.

Yesterday I received a call from one of the participants. He ran a 10K yesterday, and he wanted me to know how he did. I asked him, as I usually do, if he won. He laughed and said no, but, "I was told I could run with the Kenyans." I told him we can all run with them, we just can't pass them. He laughed.

What he really wanted to tell me is how much he appreciates everything my co-coach and I are doing. This is a guy who comes in, or calls me with any question about running and racing. He thinks he is keeping me from doing something "important." I tell him that talking to him and answering his questions is important, and I am happy to do it. 

He is "blaming" me for his next move. After the Mini, he is going to train for his first marathon. He has been asking advice on which one to do, how to train, what to expect. I am happy to pass along anything I learned in my running life. This is what we do, or should do.

When someone comes to running, excited, I think we have an obligation to share that joy with them, help them along the way, and answer any and all questions they may have. Maybe I'm not a running coach, maybe I am more of a running mentor/advisor? Either way, it brings a big smile to my face to know that I have helped someone achieve their goals.

So while I am temporarily awkward when the thank you comes, I know it's genuine, and I love and appreciate they think kindly of me to thank me.

Charlie