Introductory Post

 Runners are truly an awesome lot. We have all heard or read about runners who have assisted their fellow collapsed dehydrated runners over the finish line in major events such as the London Marathon, the Okpekpe International and the NYC Marathon. However, what I am talking about are the selfless small acts of kindness that happen in practically every race but does not garner the media attention. I run across these acts of kindness at almost every race venue I attend. Like the simple encouragement given to you by the runner standing next to you during those anxiety ridden pre-race minutes where you find yourself jumping up and down to keep loose and to quell those ever increasing butterflies that always seem to want to dance in your stomach just before the start of a race. Or just after the race the kind soul that helps you open that water bottle top that seems to have been sealed at the factory by the Terminator, when you can barely blink let alone twist off that top. 

During a recent race in McAllen, Texas I had hit the proverbial wall and lost focus, motivation and quite frankly the will to live, when suddenly I hear this thunderous voice coming seemingly from the heavens. The voice was urging me to move forward and to get my backside moving! This push, not from a deity but from a competitor was what I needed to get off the snide and back into my stride. 

These kindnesses make you feel like a part of something bigger than one's self; gives you a sense of pride, purpose and comradery. That is a wonderful feeling and why I say runners are awesome. Of course, nothing in life is perfect but I say Run on my friends, Run Strong and Run the Course.