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Why Were They Running?
By Gina | May 5, 2008
I went to cheer my friend on today who was running the NJ Marathon in Long Branch. The race started at 7:30 am and I got there about 11:00 am. I went up to the boardwalk to watch and cheer on the runners and wait for my friend to cruise by. As I was watching the runners I started really looking at their faces and their expressions.
There was a great cheering section where I was so as people went by, the cheerers would call out their name (which was on their tag which was pinned on their shirts), and say stuff like ‘keep it up’, you’re almost there’. It amazed me how some of the runners really perked up and even gave a little smile sometimes (remember, where I was, they were practically finished after running either the half (13 miles) or the full (26 miles) marathon. You can see some trotting up toward us on the boardwalk with the look of ‘I can’t wait til this is over’ and then when they got near where I was, the great cheering section, they seemed to really get a little more energy and kick in their step.
I thought to myself, ‘it’s amazing what we can do with a little support on our side.’
Then I started wondering why the heck someone enters a marathon. I looked at each face as they passed by and wondered what their story was for entering. Some could be there just to prove to themselves that they could do it. Maybe others overcame a huge battle with an illness or loss of some kind and this was their tribute to overcoming it. Maybe some had a charity they were running for. Maybe they started running to lose weight and it turned into a sport for them. Heck, maybe some just felt like running 26 miles down at the beach :-). Whatever the reason is, I’m sure the ones who crossed that finish line felt triumphant with their own little victory, whatever their reason for running may have been.
I thought it was pretty cool to be there and experience this event.
I think we all have something we want to accomplish in life. I know I do and I’ve really been able to accomplish a lot of it because I do have such an amazing support system. Yes, even if I didn’t have all this support, I’d still dive in head first (the Capricorn in me), but I have to say it is a lot easier when you have support backing you up. Sometimes that support is just an ear someone lends to listen to what you have to say.
So, how can you be of support to someone?
What’s the one thing you’d love to accomplish in your life time?
I’m going to sit with these thoughts myself for a while and see what comes up.
If you have any stories of how you lent support or was supported yourself, I’d love to hear them. I’d also love to hear some of your own dreams and goals you’d like to accomplish. Feel free to leave your comments below.
with gratitude,
Gina
Topics: Personal Growth |
Technorati Tags: marathon, support, triumph, victory
May 6th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Hey Gina,
I don’t know whyTHEY were running but I can tell you why I started running and how things changed along the way!
I’ve been running a long time and this was my first half…finally decided to run for a cause instead of because!As a mom of three and a thirst for a healthy lifestyle running is a cheap and effective sport that I can get away for 30 minutes and feel as if I’ve done something for myself and then the family can have me the rest of the day!
This past year I’ve watched a dear friend and client go through the stages of breast cancer and another dear friend sustain her fight w/ MS so in thier weakness I found my strength!
But this race was so amazing a sea of people all shapes ages and makes.On the back of every shirt was someones cause or some quote to make it all worth while but none as amazing as your own personal strength realizedwhen you meet or maybe exceed your own expectations!So cool are the people who chant along the wayhelping thier fellow runner go the distance.
With 8600 people signed up to race that day it was not a lonely race, I remeber my friend saying she needed her i-pod along the way she was not there to make a friend that day …little did she know that in the end those last 2 miles she really wants to know the woman’s name who pushed her through w/ her words of encouragement!
Yeah , I’m over the top and have the BUG! Can’t wait to do my next one and who knows maybe a marathon!
~TERI* My daughter said it best.. The miracle is not in finishing the race but in having the courage to start!(but the finish is quite nice!)
May 6th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Hi Teri!
So good to hear from you! What a great story you just told. It’s so true about all the different people who run those races. When I was watching on Sunday, I couldn’t believe all the different ages of people, some were much older and boy did I have respect for them.
Running is definitely a way to have good quality time for yourself. So glad you are finding so much joy and inspiration in it.
I used to run, but don’t now bc of my thyroid issue. I can’t exercise at the intensity I used to, but I’m fine with it and modify all that I do. I’m just very grateful to still be able to move my body!
Thanks for sharing and hope your friend is doing well.
with gratitude,
Gina
May 6th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
My friend competed in a Marathon this weekend too. I, Like her family am super proud of her as well. Who knew there could be so much more of a meaning to finishing a marathon other then just reaching a certain distance. I have been inspired in so many ways by this person…to be a better mother, friend, sister, daughter but mostly to try and be a better me. I cannot finish a half marathon right now, but I have started some other kind of race that I don’t think I ever want to finish.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hi Katie!
It’s so great to see people overcoming challenges in their lives and how great for you to really be aware of what it truly means and be inspired by that.
That’s awesome.
Thanks for stopping by!
Gina
May 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I would like to share that my friend just found out she placed 4th in the women’s part of the race! though she wishes it to have been even third, I think 4th is super, especially for her first 1/2 marathon!
May 11th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Wihoo!!! Way to go Katie’s friend!!!
Thanks for sharing Katie!
Gina