Running Isn't Lonely

Being a runner’s support crew gives me a sense of purpose, something that I’m often striving for. I’m able to help someone, be there when they need me, and possibly even be that person who helps bring them success. While I am not a louder cheerer or a great motivational speaker, I find myself putting my heart and soul into my role as support crew.

Silvain’s marathon a few weeks ago was an interesting experience for me. The night before, I was eager to plan and loved both visualizing how the day would pan out, as well as predict pace times and loop times. Yet, after watching the runners take off for their 44 km (it turned out to be longer than a marathon) in the mountains, I had a sudden urge to run, run real fast. It was as if I needed to feel my own sense of accomplishment at the same time as I helped Silvain accomplish his goals.  Luckily, a mountain marathon gives one tons of time to go for a quick jaunt around the neighborhood. I was back in plenty of time to run and meet Silvain as he approached the halfway point.

I found the halfway point to be surprisingly invigorating! I loved trying to predict what he would need, listening to his trail stories, being there to encourage him, and helping him refuel and recharge. Time after that flew by. I was able to watch the runners of the other races start and cheer them on as they finished.

Yet, the best part was when Silvain finished. I was not expecting the swell of pride that I had when I saw him come along the final trail. It was energizing to run down and join him and then cheer as he crossed the finish line. While I know that I didn’t do much in terms of getting to where he was, I still felt that I was a big part of his achievement and began to understand the value of having a support system.

Having others come along in my running is vital. It can be a lonely activity; so, not being by myself at races, during training, and while balancing the rest of life, is something that I’m greatly grateful for.
I’m most thankful for the support that my wife gives me. I’m very fortunate that Michelle is a runner herself: that she values running, experiences it herself, understands it, and is a proponent of it. It would be another story for me if she wasn’t who she is: me running in our relationship would take on a different look and feel. But, as my coach-wife is all in, I don’t lack any form of support. She’s always given me the go when I question whether running is what I should be doing at moment for us.

Supporting someone must start with believing in them. If one can’t fully believe in the other person, then his or her support won’t be total. Michelle believing in my running desire, commitment, ability, and love keeps me going. If she didn’t believe in me, it’d be a really lonely run, and loneliness isn’t fun.
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Supports are life-fueling: they put a fire under us when we need to light what we’ve got, and they’re with us when the excitement is dampened and needs patience, problem-solving, or perspective. The finish line celebration is about more than completing a distance: it’s about being surrounded by others who believe in us and want to be with us.