As I completed my 33rd state just a couple of weeks ago, on April 18th, in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island, it dawned on me that what I see while running could be very different from what others are seeing. Yes, it’s a fact that each runner in this or that race are running on the same road, with the same skyline, same surrounding landscapes, same mile markers, etc., and these are all literally similar to what each runner is seeing, but as a race unfolds, there are in fact so many subtle differences, that my experiences, my sight lines, can become vastly different from even that runner who is running right next to me.
Running partners are influencers…
On this day, April 18th, I had the honor of running with my sister or as I like to refer to her “the machine” – her grit, stamina and mental strength is second to none in my book. She’s the type of running partner that I hope every runner can find because they can be such positive influencers in not only WHAT you see during a race but also HOW you see it. Let me take you a little further down that thought path: Do you see the steep opening hill at mile 1 as a hill or just a few steps in the overall marathon? Do you see the waves crashing against the shoreline, the castles or creatively built homes on the shoreline, the amazing volunteers along the course OR do you see the many more steps you need to take to get to the finish line? When get to mile 20 of a marathon do you see 6.2 miles of pain and agony left OR do you see the final 6.2 miles as the most exciting challenge in that moment of your life? How you see these things will impact your overall race experience!
When you’re experiencing those moments the answers to those question aren’t as simple as they may seem, but when you have a running partner like my sister you find yourself finding the strength to see the small steps to get over that hill, the amazing volunteers and spectators filling you with energy, the beautiful landscape and settings of the race, and most importantly, seeing those last 6.2 miles as an exciting challenge that you are going to absolutely crush so that you can feel the joy of crossing that finish line!
Marathon finishers of all ages…
With each finish line I cross a reflection on what I’ve experienced and what I’ve seen occurs. It’s without fail I am impressed with the variety of courses, landscapes, sightlines, cities, volunteers, spectators and most impressively, the variety of runners I’ve seen. I ‘ve seen runners of all ages, shapes and sizes. I’ve seen runners supporting charities, running for loved ones, carrying flags, juggling tennis balls, wearing costumes, running barefoot, and even pushing friends, children or loved ones in strollers. I’ve seen groups running together, those running solo and, as I did in this race, running with a partner that gives you the confidence to overcome anything! For all of you runners out there, I say THANK YOU, because it is through YOU that I see and gain motivation and inspiration to tackle that next race!