At the finish line January 30, 2007
Posted by RegiVizz in Fitness, Marathon, Motivation, Race, Running.trackback
John’s blog today really struck a chord with me. On some of my longer runs, I try to imagine the thrill of crossing the finish line of my first marathon. The thrill isn’t from the victory of completion, it’s from envisioning my friends and family gathered there to cheer and scream wildly as they see me finish. Alas, besides my running partner NordicTwin, there will be nobody there at the end or even toward the end of the marathon.
I wish there was a way to convey how important running is to me. When people ask why I run, my response is generally “because it keeps me sane”. And it does. It makes me feel good. It’s a sense of accomplishment. It’s the feel of the pavement under my feet. I am a runner and it’s the rhythm of my life. It’s the struggle against the wind and the struggle against my own laziness. It’s the chance to grin (or grimmace!) and lift a finger in acknowledgment of other runners on the trail. There’s a sense of freedom, a release of my cares and stresses. It’s selfish. It’s so I can wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and say “I am a runner!” It’s “me time”.
So why do I imagine my friends and family at the finish line?
Like John said:
I too use the thought of crossing the line when I complete the London Marathon for the first time to motivate me when I am struggling to keep up the pace on an interval session – the power of positive thinking is amazing!!
Regi,
you’re not just a runner. You are a poet too
John R
I’ve noticed that about myself as well. I refused to participate in track or cross country in high school because I was afraid my performance wouldn’t receive the kind of support I would need. Even though I keep up a running routine and goals on my own, I need the extra encouragement from other people – it goes so very far.
It’s funny… I remember before taking up cycling, running, triathlon, I didn’t “get it”… I remember saying “why would anyone want to do that?”… But now of course, I go crazy if I miss even a day. Maybe it’s something that is just too personal, that others can’t understand.
I love seeing my family at the finish line. But I don’t think they “get it”… how can they really?
I look forward to the day when one of my daughters has grown old enough to be able to go for a long run (hopefully with me) and afterwards really articulate to me how it made her feel. I hope my daughters become “fitness oriented”… that’s a big reason why I do this, is to teach them the value of fitness.
As someone who just started running, I now feel I understand this. I want to share it, however when people ask, I just tell them to start running in a way that makes them feel good, and sustainable.
The best part for me is just getting out there and clearing my mind. Inevitably, even if I’m completely dreading a run, I’ll come back smiling and in a good mood, with life figured out. The reward of pushing yourself farther and farther is just a bonus.