Olympics Post

I will admit it - I am not a huge fan of the Olympics.  I mean, I really like the idea and the spirit of the Games, but I'm not one of those people who is losing sleep because I'm so caught up in the events.  I watched more this year just because I'm a grown-up and the tv is on more, but I didn't get super excited over any of the events.

Correction: over any of the events....except for the marathon.

I ended up watching both the men's and the women's marathons.  Well...the tail end of them.  I love cheering for people at marathons, but it's different on your couch.  And I don't even really remember too much except the moment when the runner from Uganda passed the two runners from Kenya (men's race).  He had been pacing with them for a while, but when he decided to pass them, he went all in.  It was incredible!!  He was truly fantastic and inspiring; for a few moments, he brought all of us into the dream with him.  The look on his face when he crossed the finish line was beautiful.

One thing that really stuck with me was something that a commentator said during the women's marathon: "what distinguishes marathoners is their willingness and capacity for suffering."  I think this first struck a chord with me because, let's face it, comments like this make marathon runners sound really badass and cool.  I may do a lot in my life, but there are very few things that make me seem badass :)  So I enjoyed this statement.

But it's become more than just a comment during a 2.5 hour long race.  It's kind of become my mantra during long runs.  This is such an interesting statement because you can't have one without the other: you won't build the capacity to run extreme distances without being willing to put in the hours, the miles, and the pain.  What sustains runners during a race is equal parts training and desire.  Even the fastest runner will fail if she doesn't really want to run.

And of course, this can be turned into a life lesson.  If you look at people who are truly excellent at what they do, it's because they not only are good at the skills required, but because also because they want to be doing it.

I can honestly say that marathon running has become a passion for me.  I am happy when I train and race, even when it hurts, because I know that the pain, sweat, blood, wear, and tear is all for a greater purpose.  It's a hard lesson to learn and it's only effective if something is really a passion for you.  So I guess the lesson is to find your passion and pursue it wholeheartedly, every single day.  Once you find the will, you will be able to build your capacity.  And even if you never cross an Olympic finish line, it's ok.  I don't really watch the Olympics too closely anyway.