The Angels By The Side

I just wanted to put a little something together to recognise all the people (and they know who they are) who turn up on race day with the sole purpose of delivering a unique and magical form of support and encouragement to runners at race events.

Now, I am not talking about friends and family members of participants who end up clapping all the runners as they pass by, (although their support is very much appreciated) I am talking about a very special type of person who makes it their mission to pick out individual athletes and deliver to them a certain type of magic.

In order to explain, let me give you an example of something that happened to me at one of my events….

At around mile 10 of the Southport Half Marathon, just at the point when my legs were starting to ‘feel’ it, I found myself slap bang in the middle of a group of about 20 runners.

An elderly gent, who was stood on a bridge that the run passed under, picked me out, looked me straight in the eyes, and, with a sparkle in his own eyes, shouted….

‘You are looking very strong there, 848!’ (my bib number).

I cannot over emphasise the magical effect that his words had on me.

I thought to myself, ‘WOW! For him to pick me out from a big group like that, there must be some truth to it, right?

Maybe I really am looking strong!…..

Hang on a minute……….I actually feel it!’

Instantly I began to feel invigorated.

My fatigue somehow completely disappeared.

It was like I had just eaten the most amazing energy gel in all the world, or been injected with some magical secret power!

He lit a fire within me that I never knew existed and the adrenaline rush that I experienced at that moment will never leave me.

I sailed through those last 3 miles thanks to that guy, his words ringing in my ears as I bounced all the way to the finish line.

I went back to the bridge at the end of the race to thank him, but he had gone.

A similar thing happened at a recent 10k where a kindered spirit picked me out from another large group of runners and shouted ‘Go on IRONMAN’ (I’m in training for IMUK and he saw my cap)…….3 simple little words……

Now, That guy doesn’t know me, in fact what am I to him but a total stranger? he didn’t need to shout that, but the fact that he did, that he picked me out from such a large group, that he not only recognised my journey but shouted a personal tailored message – it meant more to me than he knew (or maybe he does know, but more on that later)

Once again, his words rang in my ear all the way to the finish, where I PB’d. (thanks to him)

In fact, when I think back over all the races in my journey so far, there has, nearly always, been that ‘one guy’ (or gal!) in the crowd, doing likewise.

One thing is for sure…

From now on, Whenever I come across ‘that guy in the crowd’ singling me out from the masses, I will make a point of stopping to shake their hand or give them a high 5, tell them in no uncertain terms how absolutely awesome I think they are, and I encourage you to do likewise.

I often ponder what their story is and why they are not running themselves.

Maybe that ‘old boy’ was once the course record holder.

Maybe they are retired ex-runners and find solace in turning up at races to deliver magic.

Maybe they are injured, or just cant race on that day for whatever reason.

Maybe they are completely unconscious of the effect of their words.

Maybe they are very conscious and know exactly what they are doing.

Or maybe, just maybe, angels really do exist!

If you have ever met anyone like this on your running journey you will know exactly what I am talking about here, if not, don’t worry, if you keep entering races, you soon will!

Either way, next time it happens to you, be sure to pause for a second……..

And reciprocate the love!

To your amazing journey!

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