The finish of the 2009 Boston Marathon was an amazing thing to watch. Well, at least that’s what all my running buddies tell me. You see, I missed the second half of the elite race because I was driving carpool. Sigh. But even with only reading the results—and later watching YouTube clips---my heart went out to Kara Goucher all day on Monday. Such guts, grit, and talent. Not to mention her adorable smile.
The already oft-quoted line in her post-race interview that resonated with me was her saying she wanted to win, “for everyone that supported me and for my coach, my husband, my family, and for Nike…I just wanted to be the one that won for everybody.”
It got me thinking about all the people I’m running my marathon for a week from Sunday. For Lynn Jennings, my savvy, ever-attentive, caring coach; for Phoebe, my 7-year-old daughter who will be on the sidelines cheering for me; for my mom, a loving Catholic who is already praying for me and my marathon aspirations; for a certain editor, who promises me a plum feature assignment if I break 4 hours; for my massage therapist, who is giving me a huge discount on a day-after massage if I meet my time-goal; for you blog-readers who have followed my journey with such an outpouring of encouragement; and countless others.
But mulling over Kara’s words, I realized the person I am really running this marathon for is me. So that I can prove to myself I’m as fit as my times at the track tell me I am—and that I have the inner fortitude to call forth the resources when the going gets tough. To shift into a higher gear when my brain is telling me to just cruise.
I want to win for me.
-SBS
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10 comments:
And that's the absolute best person to win for!!! You are going to do great!
I am going to print out the last paragraph and put it in my fuel belt when I run Newport!!
I can't believe your race is in a week. I am tempted to go down and watch. I am excited to hear your results. I am sure you will post them as soon as you can, right?
I was heartbroken for Kara also. I wanted her to prove the critics wrong and win!! So close.
Yes, ultimately, it has to be for you. I'm sure you'll do great!
Running for yourself has to be the ultimate motivator. Everyone else can help with the preparations, but it is ultimately you who digs deep in the middle of wanting to stop ...
Excited to hear how it goes!
Amen, sister! That's what it's all about...
That is awesome!
If you don't run for yourself, your heart truly isn't in it. Running for yourself is why we all get up in the morning and why we continue when we feel we can't go on. Running for others is always secondary. to running for ourselves and it should be.
I am so excited for you! You are prepared and are going to have a great run. I will be cheering you on the second half. Go SBS, go!!!
You have followed your LJ's training so well. You are so well prepared; at this stage their is nothing to do but wait until the gun goes. You are not going to win the marathon, but you are going to do the best that you and your body can do; and that it itself will be your own personal win.
I spent the the last 1/2 hour of my strength workout on Monday glued to the tv at the gym watching KG. I loved it when she threw her gloves off! She looked so strong. She is still my inspiration. (and you are, too!).
Good luck!!! I can't wait until the post marathon blog.
Sarah,
I'm getting so excited for you and when I finish my half I will wait at the finish to cheer you on!!
I was thinking about you this morning on my run and your recent nervousness. Your body and your heart are soooo ready to CRUSH this marathon!!! Just make sure your brain is on board too! Tell those mind monkeys to behave!
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