There are so many reasons that I run. It clears my head, it keeps me fit, it allows me to eat a little more guilt free, I feel amazing after every run, and the list goes on and on. And while that is a pretty good list to begin with, I do have to admit that there is one thing above all else that I love about running; it’s the running community. I have never been engaged with such a positive and supportive group. This past weekend reinforced this belief and was one of the most rewarding weekends that I have had in a long time.
Two people that I help coach and are at the two extreme opposite ends of the running spectrum, put such a smile on my face and inspired me in such a deep and personal way, I thought that the best way to thank them, was to do what I do… blog. So here is what happened this weekend. Let me preface this by pointing out that these two people belong to an ongoing Fitbit Running group that has me and seven other members. We cheer each other on, share ideas, thoughts, and provide support. This is MY group. I never have met one of them face to face, but they are family.
One of the strongest woman I have ever met had her first attempt at a 100-mile race. Being an extended part of her crew, I was constantly being updated on progress and pulled in to conversations to provide advice and support. It was also my responsibility to keep our Fitbit group up to date. Throughout the day and evening I provided updates and we followed our friend as she went through highs and lows. And like the warrior that she is, every time that it looked like she was done, she found a way to pick herself back up and keep going.
Ultimately, after 82 miles, and just barely making the cutoff, the crew decided that the right thing to do was to stop and save it for another day. I know that our friend left absolutely nothing in the tank, and that the effort was a complete success. How could it be anything less. And when the race was over, our Fitbit family was there to applaud her and support her and tell her how proud we were of her and send her love! It was amazing.
However, what was equally amazing, was that we had another success in our group that weekend. One of our less experienced runners ran his first continuous 5k without stopping! And when I shared that with the group, the applause, pride, support, and love was just as great! You see, it didn’t matter to any of us if it was 82 miles or 3 miles, what we were applauding was the human spirit. These are two people who are challenging themselves to do things that they never have done before and that is inspiring! They are braver than most people that I know.
This is why I love the running community. What we do is hard work and whether you are just starting or have the miles under your feet to attempt a 100-mile race, it is irrelevant. You are a runner and that makes you special. It makes you a part of MY family, and I always have my family’s back. Now go get it, what are you waiting for?
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Joe I am so honored to be part of this family and so proud of all of the hard work we all do! We look to you as our fearless leader and I think I speak for all of us when I say how grateful we are that you brought us all together! I am so honored and humbled that you would write about me. Every time I turned on my phone during the race to text you and the crew of my needs, I would see all of the Fitbit notifications roll by and saw the outpouring of support from our little group- I can’t describe how much that meant to know all of you were so invested in my success.
Thank you for all that you do for the running community. And now I need to go dry my tears 🙂
Ara, I hope they were happy tears! Honestly, I get way more from the group and the running community than I contribute. However, I try and contribute as much as I can to give back. It is all of the great people that I have met that have taught me so much and enriched my life that makes running so dear to me. PEACE Joe the Runner
Wow, this was really great. I feel lucky that I became part of this group just as I was starting to get serious about running. In just these first two weeks I have run in the heat, rain and crazy wind but knowing what this group can do I ran regardless. Your coaching and support and the support of our group has me thinking about a half marathon in June next year and I haven’t even run my first 5k. You all have me believeing I can do it if I put in the work. You and the group are the best.
James, you are capable of more than you think! Yes, if you do the work, a half marathon is definitely possible in that timeframe, and as I have said, I am so proud of you! Keep doing the work and you will love the results. Just look at Herman who ran 30k today! That is 18.5 miles!!! You guys are AMAZING! PEACE Joe the Runner
I completely agree with you Joe! My first running community was the Team World Vision Group I trained with for the LA Marathon Charity Relay. They helped carry me through to successfully complete my first half marathon.
Finding the Fitbit Running community (and your blog through it) had been a tremendous blessing to me. I love this latest blog that honors the effort of runners on opposite ends of the experience spectrum. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Ronald! Like I said, the distance isn’t what’s important, it’s people striving to do more than they thought possible. It’s that human spirit of overcoming adversity and accomplishing goals. The running community is filled with people who believe that something different can happen. That something special can happen! PEACE Joe the Runner