Vancouver Scotiabank Half Marathon 2012

 

When you train and work hard towards a goal, your brain, heart and soul really wants to complete that goal. Your body, however, sometimes says:

“Nope, not this time. Not this run.”

I was sad I had to make the decision to NOT run the Scotiabank Half Marthon this past Sunday. One of my lessons during my 40by40 training was when I have these symptoms, if I run a long distance; I will suffer greatly for weeks afterwards.

What’s the use of a LESSON if you don’t LEARN from it?

I knew what I had to do (or not do) but I wasn’t happy about it. So, Saturday after dinner with my friends, I went home and cried. I was disappointed; I wanted to run; I was having a little private pity party. I honoured my disappointment and physical pain and let the tears flow…I had a good night’s sleep and then adjusted my attitude.

Here’s what I learned from this experience.

If you are feeling sorry for yourself (and it’s okay if you are as long as you don’t stay stuck for too long) the BEST thing to do is show KINDNESS and SUPPORT towards others.

The day of the event, I had an AMAZING morning. My sorry, sad self turned into a rocking cheerleader, supporting and loving all these total strangers and giving them positive energy as they passed by.

I know how difficult the training can be, how many obstacles and sacrifices you have to make. I know the emotional struggle and the physical fatigue.

I cheered on every person (friends and strangers) who passed by me. At the water stops they rehydrate, but at the corner I was at, (right before the 15K mark) I filled their tank with POSITIVE ENERGY, KINDNESS, SUPPORT, WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT and let them know THEY WEREN’T ALONE even if they were running solo.

I acknowledged each step they took with the deepest RESPECT because you have no idea what journey they endured to get there.

I wanted them to continue on the run with a smile on their face and a voice they could hear that believed in them if the one inside their heads was trying to sabotage their hard work.

I discovered my HEART is bigger, louder and stronger than any bruised ego or pity party.

WHAT A GIFT!

If you are injured and can’t take part in an event, go to the race anyway and cheer loudly for others. Embrace the energy and support your fellow runners with kind loving words and help them achieve their goal. It fills you up when you fill others up…at least that’s my experience.

I caught up with some people I had cheered for at the 15K mark…I didn’t know them but I was so HAPPY to see the medals around their necks and the smile on their face.

I was so proud of my friends who completed the run. Some ran solo, others ran in pairs…they ALL crossed the finish line with the other friends who couldn’t run, cheering them on…it’s a beautiful exchange.

I was able to catch some awesome photos and truly enjoyed the energy, excitement and FUN of the event even though I didn’t participate as a runner this year.

Attitude is everything…even if you are a spectator.

With a smile,

Tina