An educational 5K story

[thom]

Overall, I ran a mediocre 5K this weekend, but I have a great story from the finish. It really helped remind me about the joy of celebrating people's individual milestones & successes in being active.

Excerpted from my blog post:

"There are more important things in a race than your time or place. This was beautifully illustrated for me at the end of this 5K, and I want to quickly share the story.

This was a run and walk race, so families, kids, and parents with strollers were busy crossing the line as the time approached 1 hour. When it seemed everyone had finished, we gathered for a group photo and brief opening of the new trail.

Everyone applauded, and the organizers began to prepare the awards. That's when I noticed a lone man walking steadily toward the finish. As he neared, other people started noticing too and began to clap.

He was an older gentleman, probably in his 70's, and dressed in typical farmer attire -- blue jeans, dark boots, and a plaid shirt with his race number pinned over one of the front pockets. (This is farm country after all!)

Underneath the brim of his cap you could see him smile as people cheered him on. He even waved to the crowd.

I couldn't help but think that he reminded me of my own father just another decade down the road.

As he finished and people continued clapping I soaked in the moment. Races are about community, encouraging others, and celebrating individual victories. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing this man had just completed his first 5K!"


(Here's the full link) cowspotsandtales.wordpress.com/2013/04/28/an-educational-5k/

[mainewifey]

What an awesome moment for him! Thanks for sharing!

[kams]

I love stories like this - thanks for sharing.

There was a special moment like this at the sprint tri that Coconutbug and I raced this weekend. We were all gathered for awards and one woman was still in the pool. When she got out, the place erupted in cheers for her and she went over to high-5 her family and presumably grandkids. Very cool.

[skwcm80]

I love that story. I've only been running since last July, and I've blown away at how welcoming the running community is. I'm proud to be part of it.

[thom]

Kams - that is awesome! I hope to still be doing races if/when I am a grandma. :-)

[sadlebred]

Awwww....what a great moment for him!!

[shauni27]

Maybe it is my exhaustion, but stories like these always make me tear up. Thank you for sharing--it is an important reminder that it doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you do it.