This weekend I didn't run. I ran on Friday. A nice little 4-milers. It hurts still. Mainly in my head, but I'm not really running as much as I'd like. But it was race weekend here, at 39,000 people registered for any number of events and I wasn't one of them. This year, I skipped it.
I was supposed to run the half with Vixx who had gone from her first 5K last year, to 21.1k this year. But I went to register too late. I was full. Honestly, I wasn't up to the training. God the training. But many people I knew were running it for the first time. And a number of my running buddies were running it for the 3rd, 4th or 5th time. (Really, if it's at home you tend to lose count.)
I decided to go out and cheer. Upon hearing that I would be standing there near 17k mark, Treena told me to bring ice. Which is how, I ended up standing there for a good two hours on a cloudy afternoon. I picked the spot because it's where the half and the full marathon meet up again -- the thick of the action as it were. I saw the 2:10 pace bunny. Treena, who is the reason my back pack has a two thermoses filled with ice... and some water, vasoline, and Tylenol... is the 2:45 pace bunny. Go Treena.
I nearly run over Finola deaking across the street. She looks way too good for someone who has run 17kms. Me, I usually look like I"m about to pass out. Heck, usually I am about to pass out. (Sorry about that.)
A few moment later, the glorious, skinny and tremendously talented Miss G, runs up to give me a hug. She got into a new personal best at 2:25 (so proud of her.) Then here comes Treena... I shuffle looking for the thermos, quickly take the lid off.
"You're a goddess. Put in here."
"In your bra?"
"yes."
"All of it?"
"Yes, all of it."
Not one to mess with a woman in need, I dumped a thermos full of ice down Treena's top. (Fuck the odd searched I will get from THAT.) As she is running off, I hear her one running mates say "That's such a good friend who will do that." Treena says "You want some ice?" as she reaches down her top to give her a piece.
This is why I love this sport.
A few moments later, Vixx showed up. She takes two pieces from her thermos. Donna, also running her first, I think, looks elated to see me there... and eventually the flow of runners slows. I'm a slow runner. My fast mile ever was 9:45. I've been the very back of the pack. (And it's not a bad place to be.) But it's hard in big races, when there is no one cheering you on. I know so I stayed. A lot of really happy people back there let me tell you. People who look proud and strong, who were smiling.. they were doing it.
And with 5K left the marathoners all walked by, they say "I"m almost there." The halfers don't say this... but 42.2k is hard. I've been there. It hurts, you're tired and sore and you just want it to be done. But they all say this "I'm almost there." And they keep moving.
When I coordinate volunteers for the Hintonburg 5K, I don't get to see these people, I'm busy (usually looking for The Man). I rarely stop and marvel at everyone at the back of the pack. I just don't have time.
See the new course record, and the front of the pack is all great. But, the truly great stories are back there. The groups of 4 or 5 or 10 walking or running together, for a cause of just because they need to do this... it's such a momentous thing they do. And they all thanked me... (really, I am just gawking folks.) It was such a privilege to play a small part.
I remember doing a run, I forget where, and I was hurt and limping,
and a woman stopped and walked with me for a while. I don't know her
name. But she got me through it. Maybe in some way, it was my turn to
give back.
