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I love hearing the cheers from the side lines as I run a race. Even when they lie to
me.
I appreciate the encouragement I get from the spectators. Some of them have never run a step in their lives, while others may be runners who are off due to injury. Perhaps they are volunteering to help out or maybe just want to cheer on the runners in a race. It does make a difference to those on the receiving end of encouraging comments. And I also believe it is a positive reinforcement for ourselves when we encourage others. I guess you could say it is a win-win situation for all involved. In fact an exceptional example of this occurred this past weekend at the Harvey's Lake 8-mile run in Pennsylvania. The last runner was heading in. Now keep in mind the clock had been taken away; the finish chute was gone and the runners had all crossed the finish line. All save one. This woman was in her first race. She was dead last by a long shot. She was overweight but determined to not quit. No matter what. Someone yelled into the crowd; "one more finishing." Word quickly spread that there was one more runner coming in. The crowd that had dispersed began to gather back at the finish line. Was there really another runner that still had to finish? If so, who was it? Within a few moments, everyone was lining the street to see who still had to finish. No one was yet visible. A few minutes later, a woman came into view. The woman had been walking and suddenly saw the crowd waiting for her at the finish. She grinned, waved and broke into a run. At that point the crowd, pleased by her upbeat attitude, broke into applause and loud cheers. So, amidst all this encouragement, the woman crossed the finish line of her very first race. At the finish line she did a little victory dance and the crowd cheered her more! I noticed that more than a few runners went up to the woman and congratulated her on not quitting. On finishing. On having the determination to stick it out. I think runners recognized a force of will present in her that will serve her well and will keep her running. I overheard the woman say to her friends; "I never knew anyone would care if I Go To Page: 1 2 |
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