“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
Brian Tracy
VICKY: I had a dental appointment last week. So, I parked my vehicle in the pay parking lot and went about my business. When I was done, I went back to my vehicle and sat there for a few minutes. I reflected on how lucky I was to have a job, dental insurance, a vehicle and money to pay for my parking. Then I got to thinking about those who don’t have all these seemingly basic things and how they manage to still go through life flashing those pearly whites. I opened my window and drove to the entrance of the parking lot. There, I sat waiting patiently for the next vehicle to come in the parking lot. I had butterflies in my stomach I was so excited to do something nice for someone else so early in the day. After all, I’d paid for this parking until 11h00 and it was only 9h30. Then, I saw him. A nice man with an old beat up car. He started to pull in the parking lot as I frantically waved my parking ticket at him. I said:” Here you go sir, I’m done with my business here and this is good until 11h00.” He smiled like I’ve never seen anyone smile before. You know, one of those giant heartfelt grins. “Thank you so much. I really needed this. Thank you. Please accept my thanks ma’am.” And there it was. Gratitude.
GRANT: Geez Louise, all of this before 9h30 in the morning?
VICKY: Yup.
GRANT: And how is this related to running?
VICKY: Well, this encounter got me thinking about the many of the people and things I am fortunate enough to have in my life. It made me feel lucky. It also reminded me of the half-marathon we ran at the Ottawa Race Weekend.
GRANT: Oh yeah, I guess we have not written about our recent half-marathon experience at Ottawa Race Weekend yet. Tell me, why did this make you think about our run?
VICKY: Well, it made me think of running and the importance of every little act committed by runners, volunteers, family and friends throughout a race. Without these little moments we share with complete strangers or with those who matter most in our lives, we just might never make it to the finish line. So thank you to the thirty-something man wearing a t-shirt with a picture of his dad and son on his back that said “This is who I’m running for”. You were an inspiration and made me realize that there are people out there who have to endure far worse things than a half marathon. You made me suck it up and keep going.
GRANT: Ah yes, now I see where you’re going with this and I agree. It seems when you run a race, there is always someone or a moment shared with one or more fellow runners that lifts up your spirits or gives you that little push you needed to run just a little farther.
VICKY: First of all, allow me the satisfaction to say that this was my first half-marathon and I think I kicked its 21.1 km ass. Yup, you heard me. My feet pounded the pavement for a total of 2:16:23 .2. Thanks for starting the race with me by the way. It was nice to cross the start line with a friend and to know you would be sticking by me for at least the first 5K.
GRANT: It was a challenging experience. My favourite part of the race was the finish line when the nightmare ended. How about you, what’s your favourite memory of Ottawa Race Weekend?
VICKY: Well, I have two actually. The first being the fact that when I had about 2 km left until the finish line and I felt I would be better off walking, I turned around and saw my friend and fellow runner Evélia! She was running the marathon and had a big smile one her face like this was the happiest day of her life. What are the odds of meeting a close friend when you’re running on a course with 10,500 half marathoners and 4,500 marathoners? It was amazing to run my first half marathon and cross the finish line with one of the best people I know. My other favourite moment was when I crossed the finish line and saw my BF waiting for me with open arms and a huge grin on his face (it was his first marathon so I am very proud of him). We had been waiting for this moment for months and now that it was finally here, it was a very special for both of us. And to wrap it all up, we walked 15 minutes down Elgin St. to the nearest Booster Juice for a post-race smoothie. It was awesome!
GRANT: I’m sure many of you have great stories and memories from your race experiences. We’d love to hear about them so tell us your story about the nicest gesture a fellow runner has ever done for you during a race. You will be entered for a chance to win a prize. Good luck!
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