Celebrate the small (and not so small) victories

Saw a lot of old friends on Topsail Rd. Yesterday. Some I ran with 35 years ago when running wasn't a thing. Some I ran with 10 or 12 years back when I started serious training. I am constantly amazed at how one decision in life can lead to a place one would never have come otherwise. I chose to run. I started solo at the Aquarena track 36 years ago. I liked it. I had never been an athlete. It is still hard to think of myself that way. But running has brought me to new friends, new locations and new adventures. I can't even imagine my life if I hadn't enjoyed that first run :-)

I was pleased to have a lot of company on my long run yesterday. Mostly PRC friends who I have had the pleasure of meeting and running with over the past 4 years. Others too, Glen Smith (Smitty), now a new grandpa, of Nautilus fame who was one of my first running buddies all those years ago. Kevin Ryan, one of the Ryan brothers from the Southern Shore, with who I ran my first marathon in Ottawa, along with his wife and others from our Running Room group. Tim Turner, Adam Snow, David Freake...the list goes on.

While I can't hold a candle to some of these speedsters, we all share a common passion for running. My pride at seeing folks like the Tina's, Tonia, the Andrews, Sandie, Susan and so many others from PRC running out Topsail Rd yesterday is hard to express. I feel that my passion and that of the more senior runners around town may have helped to ignite a little spark in some of these new runners. It was on display at the Tely Teaser for all to see!

I hold a special place in my heart for new runners. Some of PRC's former Learn to Run groups ran yesterday as well. I was ecstatic to see them and to see their FB posts about finishing long distances. Many completed the entire Tely course of 16K. Wow. Congratulate yourselves for pushing beyond your comfort zones. Far beyond! If running has taught me anything, it is that you always have a little more in the tank. Just one more light pole. One more kilometer. One more friend to cheer you on!

See you on the road!