I could see the finish line just a few yards away. This is it, I did it! What a glorious moment! The crowds cheered and photographers kept snapping pictures. I took my earphones off because I wanted to take it all in. They announced my name just a few feet away from the finish line. It was so thrilling and I didn’t want this moment to end. As I crossed the line and received my finisher’s medal I was overcome with so much emotion.
I finished Shape Women’s Half Marathon strong and achieved a personal record of 1:37. Being in the top 1% doesn’t come easy and I don’t mind the hard work because I love this sport more than anything else. However, the emotion that I felt was not just one of my accomplishment but also one of gratitude for everyone in my life who has contributed to much of my running success. And so I’ve decided to dedicate this post to all the people who support us runners in some shape or form.
For example our spouses who never hear the end of all the running related minutia. They know our running schedule, the acceptable food menu and they don’t mind waking up early to see us off. They listen patiently while we drone on and on about some running logistic and give us all the things we ask for.
Need a massage? I’m on it.
Bring a bottle of water for your long run? I’ll be there.
Desiring coffee? I’ll get it.
Cheer at the finish line? You got it!
Our spouses see the struggles, the fears, the tears, the exhilaration of personal records and the devastation of injuries. They go through it with us.
But it’s not just our significant others who do so much for us yet don’t get the medals and the limelight. It’s also our doctors, massage therapists, physical therapists, nurses, trainers, coaches and friends who stay in shadows and listen to our sob stories, filled with so much exaggerated tales of woe, while we get to post our accomplishments on social media.
At one point, while rehabbing a minor injury that forced me not to run for a couple of days, I literally uttered something ridiculous like, “I think I forgot how to run”. Imagine that? Crazy right? Now imagine what it’s like to be a physical therapist on the receiving end of this nonsense. I wouldn’t put it past him if he thought I was completely insane. If he did he didn’t let on. (Thanks for that, by the way, because the last thing I needed was to be injured AND crazy!) I can honestly say I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without all the wonderful people who all brought something I needed and therefore contributed to what I am now.
My friends who encourage me and think I’m amazing. And then there’s my dad who comes to just about every race. Seeing his proud and smiling face is the boost I need many times when the going gets tough. So this is my ode to my great support circle who have come through time and time again. I never want to look ahead without looking back and thanking all the people who helped me reach goals I never even imagined were possible. You are not forgotten. To me you are all special and you will always be a part of my success.
P.S. Also I may need you for my future races
P.P.S. What is this may business! Of course I will need you!