When I get to mile nine and the snot in my nose and my toes are froze;
I know I’ll make it.
When I get to mile 10 and my ears are numb and so are both thumbs;
I know I'll make it.
When I get to mile 11 and my legs are gassed I won’t get passed;
Because I know I’ll make it.
At mile 12 when I get to Mr. Joe White, I’ll put up a fight;
Because I know I’ll make it.
To the last of 13 when my energy is lean;
I know I’ll make it.
I know I’ll make it because I am not alone. I will be running the race with my brother Brandon and my cousin Tommy in honor of our loved ones who have lost their bout to cancer and other fatal diseases. But when the gun sounds at half past six on Saturday, we will become one giant family.
Volunteers, local supporters, and friends and family of over 6,000 half and full marathon participants are fully aware of the hard work and commitment each runner has bestowed to muster up the courage to line up at the corner of Grissom and 21st Saturday and will be there to provide that extra oomph along the journey back to Coastal Federal Field.
There is nothing more heartwarming than hearing words of encouragement from a loved one, a friend or for that matter someone you don’t even know.
In years past Tommy and I have been fortunate to have family friends join our local support group giving us a variety of laughs throughout the weekend. Last year T ran the race with his girlfriend Jackie on Valentine’s Day while two of my friends from Ohio joined us at the finish line. In 2008 our cousin Michelle and my old roommate Brittni made us laugh with their crazy cheers around the race route, taking our minds off the pains of pounding pavement.
But it’s not about them watching us run the race, rather their presence and support for something that is important to us – the sharing and caring. The fellowship before and after the race, and having someone to greet you at the finish line and hear out your self analysis is priceless.
However, my favorite inspirational moment happened last year when making the transition from Ocean Boulevard to Kings Highway.
Tommy and I have kidded in the past about what we would do if we had to use the “John” during the race, but this was no joke I had to go. When we approached 17th Avenue South intersection, I saw a sight for sore eyes and ducked into the woods along the highway joining dozens who had the same idea.
I was worried I wouldn’t catch up. After finishing my business, I sprinted to rejoin him less than a mile from my pit stop. Passing hundreds of participants I was awarded applause from everyone around me.
In fact, several people I passed offered words of encouragement which struck my competitive spirit off guard. Honestly, I felt guilty because the only reason I was trailing was because, well, I think you get the picture…I stopped at too many of the rehydration stands along the way.
If you are worried about finishing the race or self conscious of your time, there is no need to worry. This is definitely a team effort. The adrenaline rush of 10,000 people around you and the stimulation of the aesthetics throughout the course will get you by.
But in reality it’s a complex paradox.
Everyone will be cheering you on, but you are competing against yourself. You don’t necessarily need to win, but you want to pass people, and do it gingerly.
Simply stated everyone is a winner. But as you know, in my family, there are always bragging rights.
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