A Small Maritime Perspective

Well, that was a whirlwind.

Emotional? Check.

Inspiring? Check.

Hot as (Insert own reference here) - Check!!

I've been completely awestruck for the past 36 hours, wondering how to separate my thoughts from this Maritime Race Weekend and put them into words. How on earth do you leave a running event feeling so wonderfully recharged with positivity, your love tank so full? It isn't a trick question, but the answer is pure - you run and truly "feel it all" as a TEAM, not as an individual. You "feel" and embody the pain, triumph, heartache, joy and exhaustion of those around you. Whatever they feel, you feel too.

We show up, in purple and in green, knowing that we are already warriors. We have done the fundraising, drank the kool-aid, eaten the carbs and double knotted our shoelaces. We run for someone who can't, in memory or in honour of a loved one, we have aspirations to reach a goal that was once far in sight, or push the limits of our perceived boundaries - we run because on this very day, we can. We want to be there at that start line, taking all those positive vibes in to propel us forward. Actually, I think we want to be at that finish line with our arms raised high, in the air! Whatever the reason, whether we like it or not - its time. It is race day, hooray!

We reiterate over and over that it has to go to plan, because, well - we've prepared. Guess what, the beauty of the human body, of life itself, is it doesn't always go to plan and that is why its just so darn hard, yet addictive.

Time and time again after a self-perceived disappointing finish, I would hear others say "Its amazing you were able to complete a marathon. Most of us will never do that!" On the inside I would try to reconcile what I was hearing with how I felt. It didn't add up and I couldn't appreciate why. I had done everything I was supposed to do. I ran the dam hills, had gotten up at 430 am to get my mid week runs in before 24 hour shifts and even cut out certain foods that I knew hindered my running. I had the gear, the playlists, there was a tailwind, the weather was "somewhat good" and the well oiled machine just decided to sputter and even seize up.

I faced this reality and thats what it is - reality. Eventually, I came to realize that running a 5km, 10km, half marathon or even a full marathon wasn't all about being prepared. Believe you and me, it took me a hell of a lot of race events and marathons to come to this conclusion.

What I can tell you is that with every painstakingly, heartbreaking finish (2 minutes, 43 seconds short of qualifying for Boston is up there) came doubt, then clarity and added determination. There will come a time that you and I are prepared to run, as we often are and the universe will deliver - but don't underestimate what will happen in between. Its all part of learning not only about how to run your own race, but what you are really made of. Trust me, you are capable of greatness and you may not have realized it yet.

Whether you ran your best race, your "self-perceived" worst race or somewhere in between - thats for you to decide. Reflect on the journey, appreciate the incredible ability of your mind and trained body to do this and be grateful. You're allowed to be disappointed, I get it, you're also entitled to feel on top of the world - but I hope you are proud. I know I am and I can't wait to see you cross that finish line again. Too soon?

Remember, if it was easy - wouldn't everyone do it?