14 May 2008
A Culture Of Encouragement
Posted by Steve Kelly under: Steve Kelly .
A term coined by my wife’s cousin Tim as we made our way to the start of the 25k about those who run. It’s true of the Fifth Third River Bank Run staff. It embodies the definition of the Road Warriors. It may even be in the fine print when you join Run Gazelle. I don’t believe there’s a sport in the world where the participants care more about each other’s success than in running.
That spirit was thick in the air Saturday morning of the race. You could see, smell, sense and taste it. The smiles. The kind words. The advice. Encouragement.
I got up at five to properly fuel, hydrate and the other thing we’ve talked so much about. My sweet supportive wife and two little red heads were rousted early too, without hesitation I might add, to help cheer old dad on. We took two cars down so the family could get on with the day after the race as we Road Warriors planned a big celebration. On the way there when describing my feelings about the day to my eldest, tears began to flow, eventually for both of us. I so rarely turn the faucet on, Caitlin cried too. All the months of training. Injuries, milestones (literally), friends, excitement and fears made themselves manifest. There’s a moment for you.
As we parked the car Sandy, my wife, and Madison, the youngest fire-head, expressed disappointment they missed the mild patriarchal meltdown. We made our way to check in with Gary and the rest of the NewsRadio WOOD 1300 staff. Sadly the equipment for me to broadcast while running didn’t come in. It would have been fun, but probably would have sounded like the world’s longest obscene phone call. Sandy and the girls went off to meet her two cousins, Tim and Jeb, and a long time friend of ours Bud, who came into town for the event.
In the Amway suite provided for us by the Fifth Third River Bank Run we were all nervous, but familiar. It so helped to see and talk to all of you before. After a couple pictures we laced our chips, pinned on our numbers and headed into the throng. Wow, what an overwhelmingly cool and surreal experience. Tens of thousands of runners. Thousands upon thousands of people cheering us all on. Thanks so much to all of you for coming out. You have no idea how thankful we are that you did. I now get the concept of home court advantage.
I don’t believe I’ve ever felt better going into a long run. The race started and we settled into an 8:30 pace, what I eventually agreed I wanted to run. We ran strong. I was the Garmin pilot chirping out our pace. We had a ball! It seemed too good to be true. And it was.
At the 20k mark Tim and I howled that we only had 5k to go. I was even the annoying “Woo” guy you hear at sporting events. Within a mile I was walking at the aid station by the zoo, stunned and disappointed. Everything suddenly, I mean within a few strides, went to war in my system. My heart rate spiked. My legs turned to concrete. I sent Tim on his way, lost the sound of the crowd and heard only my heart beat. I guess that’s what they call the wall.
Somehow I got going again. I felt like I did back in December when this started, you know, going out too fast and just plain bonking, hoping to do better another day. I can’t believe how far that final two miles seemed to me. I finally got to the Y and although my body and mind were struggling, I soon turned left on Ottawa and saw the finish line. I saw Road Warriors Mike, Matt, Terry and Chaz. I got a glimpse of some crimson locks. I gutted it out, made it over the line, and staggered into the crowd.
Last year, as I watched my friends cross the line, one of the Road Warriors, Jamie was strangely ticked off at the finish. What a blessing. What an amazing accomplishment 25k, and you’re mad? Jamie, I get it! I pictured the finish differently for sure. Thank God Gary Allen grabbed me and headed me back to the finish. His son, our coach Mike, had finished over a half hour before and he and Lori stuck around. If not I might still be wondering around downtown!
Now, like Mike I was sick to my stomach and dizzy. Luckily Bud ran off for an orange peel, a banana and some Gatorade. After I got a little color back in my face, I rallied. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to see the rest of the Road Warriors finish but I was in crash-ville. It happens.
In retrospect I feel so blessed. I only finished a couple minutes past my goal. I can’t believe it either because it felt so bad! I’m hoping to shave a little time off next year, but mostly to do it again next year. I hope to get more races in between now and then too. This blessing of fitness is not to be taken lightly.
Firstly thanks to God for whom I ran this race. Thanks family members Tim, Jeb, and Bud for making the trip, here’s to next year! Thank you to Grand Rapids for hosting and cheering on such an amazing event. Thank you to Greg Meyer for all you do for this event and running in general, my check to Aquinas is in the mail. Thanks to Fifth Third for your sponsorship and for going beyond that. Thank you Run Gazelle for your help and friendship. If you hope to do this run or do it better, join them. Thank you also to the Road Warrior members and coaches for sharing this ride with me. What a great group of people. Last and of course not least thank you to my family for your love, patience, love, support and love.
A culture of encouragement indeed.
5 Comments so far...
Bob Says:
14 May 2008 at 6:29 pm.
Steve, What a great season we had as a group. It’s good to hear that I wasn’t the only one sporting the dude tears Saturday! I kept choking up while running the race. Thought I’d be all sobs at the finish but I must have been too dehydrated! Keep up the great running and I wish you continued good fortunes personally and professionally.
Bud Says:
15 May 2008 at 8:34 am.
Well partner, I am still sore myself. I had a leg massage on Tuesday, and it felt great. I plan to run on the treadmill today to loosen some “running” muscles. Your race and race time were awesome! You have accomplished something for yourself, and nobody can take that away from you. Believe me…, I too, have HIT THE WALL.** Too bad it is invisible and you never know when you are going to run into it. It was a fantastic day. The weather was perfect, the skies blue and the sun was shining. The support we had from each other and all the strangers along the course made each mile a different experience ( don’t forget those cheerleaders…). This day and race expereince will always be with you. You have accomplished something that most people will never experience in their life time. Remain positive and enjoy all the endorphins still flowing through your body. You are NOW a distance runner. Take care.
Deb Pieri Says:
17 May 2008 at 9:52 pm.
Steve you are right. . . it is a culture of encouragement. It has been such an awesome experience. You have been an encouraging, humorous, and kind fellow road warrior. Congrats on running a great race even though I know you didn’t feel so great afterwards. Beautiful reflections! Hope you are feeling better!
Julie Hurley Says:
19 May 2008 at 8:16 am.
That’s one thing I always say about the running community. Runners are such a great group of people. I’m so happy that you were able to come back hugely from last year…you’re quite the inspiration. Great job!!
Shelly Says:
19 May 2008 at 2:09 pm.
Steve–you ran a great race–and you were a great Warrior to train with. Though I really only got to run anywhere NEAR you on our more laid back Sunday runs, I appreciated your sense of humor through it all. Hope you keep up the running–and hope to see you on the trails soon!