Never run alone
This is not what you think, it’s not a journal about safety or partnering with a chaperone when out running. Today’s blog is about the importance of finding some time in your running career to be a selfless runner; a runner who gives back with authenticity and relishes in shared experiences.
In my time I’ve done plenty of ‘selfish’ running and benefited greatly from it. There is a time and a place focusing on oneself especially when you activate ‘race mode’ during an event or personal challenge. You’ve heard the saying ‘run your own race’ and this couldn’t be truer than when you are executing a goal that your training has been leading you towards.
As rewarding as training for a time or personal goal is, what has become equally rewarding is supporting those who are out doing the same; from volunteering at parkrun being the encouraging voice or sharing an understanding smile to being out of course with someone who’s run journey is at a different place than yours, the rewards for being a ‘support’ or ‘pacer’ has become my medal and/or race trophy.
Parkrun
If you have ever made it down to your local park on a Saturday morning around 8am, no matter where you are in the world often you will witness a large group of people lining up for a 5km parkrun. For those who run they will be welcomed, briefed, photographed, supported and timed recording their weekly 5km time by a supportive volunteer.
Each week the Race Director lets every runner know that without the volunteers’ free events such as this would just not happen, so it’s encouraged that as well as running, you give back and volunteer your time in some capacity more than a few times a year yourself.
In the past my goal for getting up early on a Saturday morning was to run but life changed, perimenopause/menopause hit and priorities changed – I changed, and I decided to give volunteering a go. What a great decision. I challenge you not to feel all the warm and fuzzy feels after your first (or more) volunteer stint!
Race Pacer
Have you ever entered a race and had the realisation that you couldn’t run the race alone? That you needed some external encouragement from someone who has been there, done that and has the tools to help you not only start but cross the finish line too? Over the past year or two, I’ve had the pleasure of pacing close friends and even some family members in races from 100 miles to 30km races where they recognised that they needed another layer of support during the race.
With untapped encouragement, guidance and patience I have run in front and behind my runner to have them believe in themselves the whole race and that the belief I have in them should be no doubt, felt within. As a coach and dear friend once said, ‘only possibilities.’
There is something so rewarding about being part of someone’s run journey. To see them laugh, cry, flow and hurt across the duration of a race. To be part of each emotion that circulates whether that be for 1 hour or 1 day; to know that you are making a difference to them and their attitude towards their trust, is something I feel I want more of.
I feel a great sense of pride when someone recognises me as someone who can support from the heart as well as the lungs. Whether that support is IRL (in-real life) or via my online training program, sharing my knowledge of running including courses and pacing is something I hope to continue to do for a while.
Living the Planted Life
Curious about discovering comfort in motion? Whether it’s enjoying your local parkrun with a smile or tackling the intensity of an ultra-endurance race, I can guide and motivate you to become a Planted Runner. Reach out to find out how.
