Was fortunate last night to meet Ronald Kurui, past member of the Kenyan national XC team. He was invited by the Cape Fear Flyers Club to speak at a pre-season parents, kids, and coaches meeting. Mr. Kurui talked about sacrifice, unity, and the goal that societies should have to continue to make the world a better place for each successive generation.
Just to be in the same room as a 3:56 miler, and 2:13 marathoner, is a thrill in of itself. But to be inspired to strive to give back more to the sport I (and we) love, is icing on the cake.
Sunday I was blessed to volunteer at the 6th annual Wrightsville Beach half and full marathons. I always gain such a deep appreciation for running, by watching fellow athletes endeavor to reach their goals. Goals that perhaps six months, or a year or two ago seemed implausible. The myriad of emotions painted on their weathered faces tell a thousand stories...which all hopefully climax at the same destination...the finish line.
And on a humorous note, later in the event my co-volunteer directing traffic was complaining of leg and lower back pain. Two runners came up from behind her and were incredulous to hear any of us non-participants...at mile 24... fussing about any discomfort! Though they were laughing about it at the time, and perhaps such a moment of light-hearted levity carried them through to their respective finishes.
It's truly a miracle some days to be a part of all this. Keep on running my friends.
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