After updating my status on facebook following my 'marathon experience', I got the following comment from a long-time friend.
Mel, In the words of RW's John Bingham, "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start". Just remember, toeing the line is more that 95% of the population ever dream of doing.I haven't been able to get this comment out of my mind.
Take your time recovering and enjoy some time off. I know it's going to kill you not to put the shoes on, but it will make the return that much sweeter. I have not met very many people that have your passion for running. You are an inspiration.
May the wind always be at your back...
Being part of this blogging community, it sometimes seems so large, especially when my reader shows I'm falling behind! Commenting on someone's blog, I always come across unfamiliar names, some which I'll go check out, others I may not. Take a look at some of the blog rolls out there; a long list of blogs they follow! Showing up at the start line of a race, it seems like everyone must be running these days. It's incredible! But in the above comment, I was reminded that as large as this community may seem, bloggers around the world sharing something in common, we are, and do things that only a small percent of the general population do. I've read somewhere that it's something like one-tenth of 1% that will either run a marathon (not sure if this is only those that finish, or try and not finish as well)...
Whether or not a marathon is a goal, accomplished or not, I'm proud to be part of the 'running' population, -- it's such a great group of people! Even those that may not run, but cycle, we're part of a group that chooses to be active because we can.
39 comments:
Thank you for this post. This certainly has motivated me to keep the fire burning inside me.
: )
Keep them comin'
Yes, definately a good reminder of just how big the accomplishment is just to be out there!
Getting the courage to even start, so very true. I started running only in the dark because I didn't want people to see me...especially if I had to run/walk. Now, I'll run through the neighborhood in my speedo;)
Great post! I also love the community of the blogoshere.
I agree. I love being part of this tight knit community of running and blogging!
So glad you got "it".
We are only a small group and whether you walk, run, roll or cycle, at least we are out and participating in this gift called life!
Keep up the great work Mel...
Whoever wrote that comment to you is wise, indeed! Words to live by - and you are special for training for marathons. There is power in dreams of things that are too large for most people to understand. Rock on!
What an excellent comment that is. The online running community is wonderful, you can feel so alone out there training day after day, but then you come home and read all these blogs and know that you may be a minority, but you're in good company!
Wow that is really true. I haven't ever run a marathon- but maybe some day, and I don't have to worry about failing because at least I'll have had the courage to try, right?
Enjoy your recovery time!
I love that quote as well! What a great thing to read. It is pretty neat to find such a wonderful community of people. I am very new to this blogging thing as you know but it amazes me each time I look at the blogs and see all the support, encouragement, kind words all from complete strangers...it makes my faith in people feel so renewed and I think it has a lot to do with the running community too. What a great group of people to be associated with and learn from. You are an inspiration to me and maybe someday I will inspire someone too! Keep it up and make sure you take the time off and rest your body! Before you now it you will be out there running up a storm!
Cheers to that!
The comment was right on. Definitely.
Hey Mel! I LOVE that quote also!
Our track club coach always talks about the marathon dream being the journey, not the event. Yes, completing a marathon was cool, but for me, training for it was the best part.
I started to read your blog well before I made a comment on it, but I used to see your comments on other people's blogs, and thought "what a cool chick...I'd want to be her friend!" You never fail to be positive and supportive of others. I guess that's what you'd call good karma!
great quote, and love the friend's comment. you are so right about the big-but-small community. it does seem like 'everyone's doing it' but when we take a step back, it's just a small percentage of the world. i know they say only x number of people in the world ever run a marathon and it's a small number in comparison to the population. (though i can't remember the number) anyway, thanks for sharing these thoughts of yours :)
Great quote.....I'm working on it, it's really hard though when you can't even be allowed to start the race!
What an awesome, thoughtful comment!
The blogging, running community totally rocks! I've done things I never would have considered without so much online support.
We are all so blessed to have people like you be a part of the community as well! Yay runners!
Great post!! I noticed at my race this weekend that running is the great equalizer and community. Young and old, skinny and hefty, tall and short, fast and slow, we were all moving the same direction with the same goal. We all will reach our goals in a little different way. I love reading your blog and know that you WILL reach your goals no matter what they are...
Another lovely post, Mel. It is amazing, the support from Blogland, isn't it?
My Mum was asking me this morning what I blogged about and why (one of her workmates had mentioned her husband is reading my blog) - and I told her that without my blogging buddies, I doubt I would have stuck to running long enough to keep it going. The encouragement... the knowledge that someone cares enough to read your post... it really keeps me going :)
great quote!
I find blogging keeps me honest, and made me a better runner.
That's such a sweet comment...and spot on, as far as you are concerned. You have such passion!
I love that quotation - and you are right about what a reminder it is. Being a part of this supportive, far flung, sometimes crazy, always great athletic blogging community absolutely rocks, doesn't it?
Well said Melanie.
It's amazing how, in my everyday life, being a runner is something unusual. But here in blogland, I find lots of people who share my experiences. I feel lucky to have found such a supportive community that gets what I'm doing. Thanks for being a big part of that, Mel!
there'S a ton of us online and make us think that everyone around us runs marathons or Ironmans lol but in the grand scheme of things, we look like an alien race to our families and for our co-workers!!
I love being part of the running community and the running bloggers! It has definitely added something to my running and increased the joy I get from the sport.
yea the whole community is fantastic. now that i work at home and almost never leave the house it has become my entire social life too. which is why it's really cool for me to "meet" people like you that live so far away. hang in there, you'll feel better soon.
Well said! Your friend is very wise. :o)
And we like having YOU, too, even if you are a Canadian, Sistre!
KIDDING!
I don't personally know too many other people who run, so blogs help me see what other runners are thinking. That way, I don't have to bore Teh 'B. or my non-running friends with my boring running issues.
I can bore them with other things, instead. So they STILL lose!
I love your friend's comments. When we're around runners all the time, it's easy to feel like everyone's run a marathon and that it's not a big deal...we forget that among the general population, most people never run more than 6 miles let alone 26 miles. It's an amazing feat just to go through the training for a marathon and have the courage to set foot on that starting line, and by doing that you've already accomplished something most people never do.
I know you will reach your goal someday and cross that finish line, but you're already a runner and that's the important thing!
aw that was a wonderful post!!! I love all the support and have also been amazed at the community we form
Hi Mel
I am so appreciative of all the running bloggers I have met. It amazes me at the support and love we all receive and give. It seems to come easy for us runners/bikers/walker or whatever is your passion!
You have made me proud to call you a friend!!!
Great post! I always feel like our community is so large then I talk to others outside of this "community" and I realize how small it can be :) I love how supportive everyone is - it gives me the motivation I need to toe the line!
That is such a sweet comment you received!
Marathon completed or not - you are a runner - and a fantastic running blogger too! Thanks for all of your great stories to read and comments along the way!
Voltaren Gel it is an anti-inflamitory that goes right to the problem area. I love it since some oral anti-inflamitories bother my stomach. Ask your doc for a sample. Hope you get to movin' and feelin' better soon!
Well said! You should be proud. Runners rock. :)
Great post! This is indeed a wonderful community.
Rest and heal up well. You're an excellent runner and you provide a huge amount of inspiration to a lot of people.
Well said. Well said.
Nice post! I like reading it.More power and God bless!
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Very inspiring.. God Bless you all! ~ spyder ~
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