Inspiring stories from the run

During the JFK 20k there were a few moments that gave me that extra bump that pushed me forward.

First, as we headed out for our run, the 5k runners lined the path and cheered us all on. It’s always surprising how much some encouraging words can really make a difference. There are many times that a cheer heard during a race --- even the generic “let’s go runners!” --- can really charge me up to just keep going.

Toward the halfway mark, I saw a co-worker running along. What’s telling about her story is that she has been working hard to achieve a qualifying time for the SunTrust half-marathon. She has been going out regularly for the last few months running races of all distances to get that allusive qualifying time. Her persistence after so many times “just missing” the cut-off is inspiring. So many of us would just give up, but she just keeps putting herself out there and tries. I cheered her on as we passed one another and I am crossing my fingers that she was able to finish with a qualifying time.

Finally, I was again inspired to see a blind runner and her guide racing. It is truly incredible. The blind runner wears a yellow vest announcing to the rest of the field that she is blind. Her guide runs at her side with a tether, each holding an end in their hand. They were kicking ass on the trail. Go Runner Go!