Angels along the way

I have read that some elite athlete or coach likened doing an endurance race to a Hero's Journey...it is so true.  The elements are there.  We somehow choose to go on this nearly impossible trip to somewhere in search of something.  We always end up finding ourselves, transformed in some way, and we encounter angels who help along the way.

 

When I was running the Into the Wild Carnivore Classic half marathon #Intothewild  #Carnivoreclassic at the Wild Animal Sanctuary, I had to do a lot of positive self talk to get me thru the tough spots. It was hot: I was hurting and my hip flexors were really screaming.  I was getting close to starting to giving in to my inner whiner.  She was saying things like "holy crap I hurt" and "why did I sign up and pay for this race?" and "this sucks and I don't wanna do this anymore" and a new one..."I pay for inflicting pain on myself I think that's a definition of insanity".  I started to get giddy and laughed a little...that's a bad sign.  And it's a waste of energy - my energy is to be spent on running my best that day.  So time for more positive talk!!

 

I was out there on a country road, by myself, cuz by that point in the race, runner's are really spread out.  Good thing...cuz I sometimes have to talk to myself out loud to drown out my inner whiner.  I started out by reminding myself to stay in the "here and now" to concentrate on what I was doing and trying to accomplish.  I started to point out the grass, rocks, trees, houses, and occasional birds to myself.  I recited Dori's voice from  "Finding Nemo"  "just keep on swimming keep on swimming".  It helped at least for awhile.

 

Later, when my inner whiner was starting to win again, around 10 or 11 miles, there was a guy who was passing out cups of water at an aid station who spoke to me...he made sure I looked at him and smiled as he spoke. I looked at him, smiled back, and said thanks.  What he said wasn't earth shattering or anything...but it was exactly what I needed to hear at that time.  It made a huge difference and I am sure he has no idea of how he helped to inspire me to keep going at the pace I was running
 

The thing is we never know who we will touch with our words or actions. The choice is how we choose to touch them.  It can be a smile, a touch, a kind word, encouragement, something seemingly insignificant.  And that little something can be magical and transforming for that other person.  It may be exactly what they needed at that time.  People who touch others in a supportive and loving way are angels. 

 

And you just never know who your angels are, who will show up at the perfect time. And we are each other's angels. Remember that.  Be mindful of what we say and do for each other. 

Oh and thank you water cup guy at the 10 or 11 mile aid station. I send you a virtual hug.

For information about the Wild Animal Sanctuary and their 2015 running events go to http://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/aboutus/walkrunrockintothewild.html