The Beauty of Support

There is something about long distance races that makes you recognize and acknowledge the beauty of support.  Even when it is not family or friends, you can see it and feel it.  It is on the faces of people holding up signs that say “Go Stranger, Go!”  It is the woman holding out a box of tissues for anyone who needs them on a cold, winter morning.  It is the volunteers who get up extra early to pass out water and sports drinks during all types of weather.  It is the police officer playing “Eye of the Tiger” on his harmonica while directing traffic as you jog by. 

I saw it recently while waiting for Duke at the Chicago Marathon.  The family reunion area was packed with anxiously waiting family members when I got there at about 11 a.m.  Families and friends were waiting with signs, balloons, flowers, and hugs.  Volunteers were there too.  Every time a runner hobbled up to the beer tent, multiple volunteers cheered.   

I guarantee you there would less people crossing the finish line without support.  By the end of a long run, it is all mental and there is something so motivating about the people cheering you on and the loved ones anxiously waiting to congratulate you at the finish line.

It can also be seen when there is struggle and defeat.  It is the helping hand that reaches out when you fall because you trip or your body gives out.  It is the medics along the course who are there to assist anyone with a cramp to a broken bone or an even more dire situation.  It is the hug when tears fall down.  And it is the fact that no one says “you didn’t try hard enough”.  It is the reassurance of “it is amazing that you even tired and we will be here to support you next time and the time after that”.

Support is necessary to be successful in all areas of life.  It is important that we let those in our lives know that they are not alone in their struggles and triumphs.  We are there for them whether we can actually be there physically or not.  We have their backs.  We are cheering them on.  And we will be there at the finish line no matter what the outcome of their race.

Buzz Ya Later,

Whit