After this weekend I am sure that I am a better person today than I was when I arrived Wednesday evening. People that do these events make me want to be better, to do more and push myself beyond my limits. I ran along side people all ages, all races, sizes and people from all over the world this weekend. Just for one moment we shut down all the hate in the world to become instant friends... A team. We all had the same language, same goal and same joy in our hearts.
Runners/walkers are one of the main reasons I LOVE running! Let me tell you about a few people..
I met a lady from Canada who was walking the whole Dopey. She never stopped smiling. Every time I talked to her I knew I needed to start enjoying the little things in life because she sure did enjoy everything life had to give her. She thanked every single person out on that course, she cheered on runners/walker and she never once doubted herself.
Instagram friend Michael. He was having major knee issues on Saturday after the half but he told me he would try his best to finish the marathon. I found out he did finish but I am sure it was a struggle every single step of the way. He made me realize that goals are reachable if you keep pushing forward....even when in pain.
Doctor Dribble. This crazy man dribbles two basketballs while running! He combined running and his love for basketball to raise money for children. He is using his talent to help others! Just taking a picture with him made me realize I need to give more to those who are struggling with life. I need to do more for others.
Santa. That is right Santa even ran the race or should I say a guy that looked just like him. He carried coins in his pocket and handed them out to children along the course. I have no idea what the coins had on them but it touch my heart watching him do this simple task. I am sure those children were so excited to see Santa but to get a coin from him..WOW. That guy didn't have to do that but he had a heart that wanted to fill other hearts with joy and love.
Others. Then there was those people that didn't have a basketball or looked like Santa. Those people that to me looked normal but those people all had there own stories. Each of them was doing this race for a different reason....maybe to reach a dream that they felt was unreachable, maybe to raise money for others or maybe to run because they lost a love one. What ever the reason is... they are the reason I do this! They give me the fuel to keep moving forward.. those silent stories get me excited about my next race.
Racing to me is not about a time but the people I see and meet on the course. For once in my life I have realized the runners/walkers, volunteers and the fans keep bringing me back to the starting line. I challenge you to go to a race to watch these amazing people and watch their stories unfold in front of your eyes.
YOLO...You only live once people.
Blog's coming up about the races soon!
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