You Never Really Run Alone

“I can’t believe you ran a 1:35!”, was one of the first things my Mom said to me after my race today. How did I run a 1:35:02 half marathon? No really, how did I? My goal time was 1:40-45, and honestly I was questioning whether I could even do that. It took me a minute to really figure it out, but when I did I realized it wasn’t all me who ran that race, it was me plus my support group.

You never really run alone. People say it’s an individual sport: that you set your own goals, work alone to achieve them and ultimately run against and for yourself. Part of that can be true, but it’s dawned on me that runner’s – at least from my personal experience – are only as good as the crew around them.

I could never have run the race I did today without an incalculable list of people. First of all my family. Thanks to my brother and sister who woke up today at 5am to come watch me (eek! That’s early!). To my Dad who deserves the award for best support member for taking care of all race logistics, driving, cheering and always being there (we joke and say he should write a hand-book on how to be the ultimate crew member – but for real, it would be worth the read it!). And to my Mom who I train with. She knows the sport and offers all the advice she possibly can, and I am inspired by the way she runs her own races.

Being a runner means you need to appreciate the people you train with. I’ve had advice and knowledge passed on to me from countless Den and Phoenix members. I need to thank you all for allowing me to pick your brains on nutrition, pre-race rituals, what to expect from the race course and more. Not only that, but giving me a place in the runner’s circle, and allowing me to experience that comradery. It’s far easier to push yourself, be entertained, complete workouts and truly enjoy running with all of you around. You all motivate me, but I would like to give a shout out to Edmund Jor who completed his 100th half marathon today – I could only hope to run as long as you have, and be dedicated to the sport in the way you are.

Then there are those who show up to your races and cheer like crazy (you know who you are!). There are also those who send text messages saying ‘good luck, we believe in you’. Thank you all, it means so much.

Thanks as well to all those strangers nice enough to see the pain on runner’s faces during races and cheer to get us through it. Special thanks to the guy with the sign today that said “If Trump can run, so can you!”, it gave me a laugh.

As you can tell I have a very special group around me, and I could only hope that I am able to give something back to you in the way you give to me.