Yesterday I along with some 8,000 folks participated in the annual Falmouth Road Race, a 7.1 mile course which winds it's way from Woods Hole to Falmouth, MA around a lighthouse, and along scenic views of Martha's Vineyard. The race started 35 years ago as a bet between a few friends as to who could run from one bar in Woods Hole to another bar in Falmouth in the fastest time. Those harriers probably had no idea that the bar bet race would one day turn into one of the largest road races in the country drawing the fastest world class runners to compete for the $10K winner's purse.
As I am not of the ranks of the fleetest feet in the world, I started with my friends Robin and Beth safely esconsed in the middle of the pack. Robin, Beth and I have been running together for summertime-only years. While pounding out the miles and dripping in sweat, we have shared, confided, and laughed about our lives. We are always up for a run together and this was the first time the three of us ran the road race together. It's thrilling to hear and feel the pre-race excitement in the air as we all waited for the horn blast signaling the beginning of the race. The first thing one hears after the blast is the sound of thousands of running shoes slapping the pavement, cheers and whoops from the spectators and the buzz of the chip timers as the runners cross the start line. It is truly an amazing sight to see: the back of bobbing heads of so many runners stretched out in toward the front the faces of even more runners behind.
My running buddies and I felt great at the start of the race. There are certain points on the course where we knew we would see friends and family members cheering us on. Just beyond mile 3, the course began to become more challenging. This stretch always surprises me since we run right next to the water and the view to Martha's Vineyard and Falmouth Heights is spectacular. What makes it so difficult is there is very little breeze and for the next mile and a half, no shade. Before we hit this stretch, Beth pulled ahead and Robin and I wished her well. She is the youngest of the three of us and she is also in the middle of training for her next marathon. From this point on, Robin and I traded supportive and encouraging comments to motivate each other to the finish line at mile 7. The going was tough, the humidity was intense, but we crossed the line together.
After a refreshing shower, Beth, Robin and her family and I and mine sat around for a few hours replaying the event and sharing with the others our experiences. Al, Robin's husband, recounted a man in a Sponge Bob costume...my husband described the Kenyan, Okari's, winning finish, outrunning the American by 20 seconds. Beth described her race while Robin and I were simply relieved to have it behind us.
The event and the afterevent reminded me of the importance of frienships: a good friend reminds you of what you can accomplish when you are doubting your ability. A good friend listens to your perspective and offers comment or opinion when asked. A good friend congratulates your achievement. I feel blessed to have such friends who are there when I need them and who know that I am there for them as well. Although it is sad to acknowledge that the days of summer are ending, signalling the time to say goodbye to my running buddies, I am so very thankful to have the time to share with them to grow our relationships.
Thought for the Day: What can you do this week to acknowledge or nurture a friendship? What can you do to let your friend know how much their presence in your life means to you.
"Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on, for it won't be long, 'til I'm going to need somebody to lean on."
- "Lean On Me"
No comments:
Post a Comment