Wednesday, May 15, 2013

To The Running Community

Wedding Wednesday will actually be on Friday this week, dear readers, as I celebrate having been engaged for one year this week by sharing some details about my dress with you!  (Don't worry; I warned Jon not to look.)  I've been wanting to blog about the process for ages, so I'm really excited to hit publish.  But for today...


I was hoping to say a few words about what happened in Boston at the marathon exactly a month ago, but, honestly, I still don't know what to say other than that I'm deeply sad.  As further details about the alleged bombers emerge, the tragedy seems even more senseless, leaving us with only more questions.  In the Jezebel article that Gesci linked to above, Erin Gloria Ryan writes, "One of the many puzzling aspects of yesterday's attacks was the question of what, exactly, the perpetrators thought they'd accomplish by targeting what basically amounts to a celebration of human tenacity."  So, since I've now actively started training for my first half marathon in September, I'll take this moment to thank the running community that has embraced me over my last year in DC.

When I was living in suburban Maryland, Megan regularly invited me out on her weekend training runs.  Because she's taken me under her wing, I've never thought that I wasn't going fast enough or far enough - she has only ever urged me to understand that running isn't tied to speed or distance but to heart.  (If you haven't read the guest post she wrote for me back in October, go!)  Her running buddies, who I've met a handful of times at races over the past year, have similarly welcomed me, encouraging me to join them for other events and providing valuable advice as I explore this strange new world.  The most wonderful gift they've given me, though, is support: I've finished near the back of the pack at every single race I've run, and, even if they crossed the line hours earlier, they've been at the end to cheer me through the final steps every time.

And it's not just those I know who have cheered.  Yes, when I pushed myself too hard at the end of the Love the Run You're With 5k and had to find a trash can, Megan instinctively grabbed Charlie's leash out of my hands.  And yes, when I finished the 5 miler in Baltimore side by side with Megan we ran straight into her gang, armed with bananas and bottles of water.  But, half a mile before I could see Jon and Sarah and my mother at the finish line of my first ever 10k, I ran off the fumes of complete strangers' whoops and hollers.  People I'd never seen before were telling me they knew I could do it - so I did.

When I run in DC, especially if I'm out with Charlie, I pass so many smiles.  Other runners warn me about a slippery bridge ahead or a raccoon carcass on the path (here's looking at you, Sligo).  Couples out walking joke with me about training Charlie to pause for pee breaks on uphills rather than downhills.  And sometimes we keep pace with other runners, who always give us a wave and a nod before peeling off on a different route.  We're all runners or we want to be runners or we used to be runners or we know someone who runs, and that makes us a community.

So to you, my friends online who tweet encouragement at me and like my Instagrams of sneakers and are, possibly, just as excited about my new PR as I am... thank you.




18 comments:

  1. I love this, Betsy! When I ran in the Race for Hope in DC a few weeks ago, I noticed what a difference it makes to have hoards of strangers cheering for you, just because you're all part of the same cause and event. It's a neat kind of camaraderie, and it's not something that I really think about until I get to a race, so sometimes it kind of takes me by surprise. I'm off to go on a run and this post will serve as my cheering squad in the back of my head since I'm unlikely to encounter many spectators :)

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  2. This is awesome, Betsy! I'm so glad that running has become such a joy for you. Because it certainly should be.

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  3. Runners are such a positive community! I love that you're having such a good experience - it's a lot easier to get out and lace up the running shoes when you know there are lots of things about it that are going to be encouraging!

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  4. aw YAY! I am definitely cheering for you - even from my desk downtown :)

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  5. it has! thank you for indulging my rants and raves about it always. couldn't ask for a better mentor :)

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  6. yes! and I love that every runner has been where I am now and they remember it so they always make me feel like what I'm doing is AWESOME even if it's small potatoes compared to what they're doing.

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  7. This is great. I personally am not a runner and have never liked it even when I've tried, but I have a TON of friends who are and who run marathons. Whenever they get ready for a race I always want to become a runner because they have so much fun and there's such a great energy surrounding the events!

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  8. I love this post! So happy to hear you are finding so much joy from running!!

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  9. haha I have to admit I have NO desire to run a marathon EVER - but the energy is definitely contagious!

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  10. I stashed my sign behind the bookcase, too, so I can use it for the next race! One side said "You're A Superstar" and the other "High Five?!" I got A TON of high fives, and even more huge grins!
    I had a great time, even though Record Store Day karma was not on my side :(

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  11. I still think all you runners are a bit crazy, but since we've all got our own versions of crazy, and running is definitely in the harmless ballpark, I'll support it!

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  12. aw YAY you are the best! thank you from all of us to you :)

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  13. dude, don't get me started on your version of crazy :P

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  14. I used to live in DC many moons ago and the Marine Corps Marathon was hands down (the two times I did it very, very slowly) the best race I have ever done. Fantastic crowds, awesome people cheering. The first time was in 2001, just after 9/11 when there was talk it would be cancelled. I will never forget running under some overpass near the Pentagon and all of us chanting USA (and I'm not particularly patriotic) or someone randomly riding alongside when it gets a bit lonely at the end in Virginia, blasting Beautiful Day from a radio on their bike. Now that I have young children, running is my refuge! Run on, Betsy!

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  15. I've heard so many good things about the MCM! maybe for the next one I'll pull a Gesci and go out to cheer for the runners :)

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  16. Yay, runners! And you go, girl :)

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  17. Hi Betsy - I know we don't know one another but I just wanted to add to your excitement about your upcoming wedding at Bruisyard Hall and Barn. I got married there on Saturday and it was just absolutely perfect from the OMG moment we arrived on the Thursday until the very sad time that we left on Monday afternoon. Ours was slightly different to how yours will be - we had fish and chips delivered for us and our families on the Friday night and utilised the games room, and on the Saturday we used the hall and grounds for a pre-drinks reception with a string quartet, ceremony and afternoon tea - we then went to Framlingham Castle for champagne and our wedding cake on a vintage bus - we then had a sit down 5 course meal in the barn in the evening and then a 'house party' back in the hall until 1am. On the Sunday we had a cook come in to prepare breakfast, had a BBQ in the daytime for friends and family and then used the cinema room for movies, champagne and pizza for close friends in the evening. The different spaces were just fantastic, as were all the Bruisyard team and the registrars. You'll absolutely love the venue - incredibly special and memorable. Like you, we're not from Suffolk so had to organise some of the things from our home in Norwich, so if there's anything I/we can help/advise with then just let me/us know. Enjoy the day/weekend - it will be extremely hard not to in such a perfect venue - you obviously have very good taste and a very good choice of venue!

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