Post-Marathon Blues

The Boston Marathon was just a week ago but it seems so much longer.  Many runners will be returning to work today after a week of celebration and school vacation.  The aftermath of significant accomplishments can be so difficult.  The effort to fill this huge void can seem as significant as the effort to accomplish it.

While the memory of the entire journey will last a lifetime, the reality of life needs to be managed now.  I’m inspired by so many that have already contacted me about training for the 2016 Boston Marathon and the charities that are interested in joining the Marathon Coalition.  The significance of the Boston Marathon has assumed meteoric proportions after the tragedy of 2013 and the amazing celebration of 2014.  This year’s marathon was more than a celebration of running, it was a celebration of life…not only for Boston but the entire world.

The memories of the 2015 Boston Marathon will sustain me until we begin training in late November.   Social media will allow me to stay in contact with those I respect and care about most.  As is the case with life, training for the 2016 Boston Marathon will be here sooner than we realize.

I’ve learned the best way to gain a sense of control over the passing of time is simply to live in the moment.  I try not to look too far down the road for the next big event.  Living in the moment of every second of the day, regardless of whether I’m enjoying it or not, despite whether it seems significant or not, allows me to feel every moment  is precious…because it is!

So, while there seems to also be a huge void in my life this morning, I’m going to focus on living in the moment, savoring the experience of training 175 of the most amazing people who I’ve had the honor and privilege of sharing the past 5 months with, celebrating that we raised $1.5 million for 17 Boston-based charities and allowing the memories of this journey to sustain me until we meet again.

Day Of Reflection

On the second anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings I am reminded of the importance of enjoying every moment of life.  This human spirit is so resilient and strong, particularly when it is tested.

I have been particularly reflective as the 119th Boston Marathon approaches and my 19th year as a charity running coach draws to a close.  The Boston Marathon has changed so much in the past two years.  I’ve witnessed a greater commitment by everyone, not only the runners, to celebrate all that the Boston Marathon represents.

The marathon is the culmination of months of difficult training in the worst New England winter in decades.  Runners have emerged from this challenging training season stronger, more determined and eager to celebrate their accomplishments.  They are physically and mentally stronger, more determined to live with greater purpose and more inspired to serve others.

As I stand at Mile 15 on Marathon Monday, I am blessed to experience the best of the human spirit.  I share thousands of extremely special moments with runners that I’ve coached the past two decades.  I am honored when they run into my arms and share how they are feeling.  I’m energized by the power of their embraces.  I’m inspired by their determination…it’s the most special day of the year!

On this special anniversary I am inspired by those that have emerged from this tragedy stronger and more determined to show the world that we are all far more capable of  accomplishing significant achievements than we realize.

Today is a tribute to the power of the human spirit!

Sweet Anticipation

Now that the Boston Marathon is less than one week away, the emotional roller coaster is at full speed. It’s the convergence of two diametrically opposed emotions. The excitement of the approaching Boston Marathon is palpable, the sadness of an incredible journey is drawing to a close.

We shouldn’t be disappointed that this journey is coming to an end.  We should be inspired that it ever happened.

When you cross the finish line next Monday it truly shouldn’t be the end of this journey.  It should be the first step in a much longer journey of believing you can make a significant difference in the world!

Being a running coach is very similar to being a teacher…I’m on the verge of seeing my students graduate.  Sports seem to evoke the strongest emotions in me.  I get emotional when I see Rider on the Lacrosse field with ‘MUHR’ taped to the back of his helmet.  I simply cannot contain my emotions when a Marathon Coalition runner passes me on the Boston Marathon course.

I’ve witnessed the incredible impact the Boston Marathon has on runners and that’s the perfect capstone to a training season. Looking back to the first TEAM meeting seems so long ago. I’ve witnessed a complete transformation from a group of people who were uncertain whether they could complete the 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton to Boston to a unified group of runners filled with anticipation and confidence. Nervousness and uncertainty are constant companions leading up to the marathon…even for veteran marathoners.

Now is the time to set doubt aside and BELIEVE you have this.  Monday is your day…the opportunity to show the world what you are capable of achieving.  Nothing is stronger or more compelling than the human spirit, particularly when it is tested.  That will be in full display on Monday!

Team Spirit

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It it the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” -Andrew Carnegie.

Running is essentially an individual pursuit…it’s one of the primary reasons I was initially drawn to it. I didn’t have to rely on anyone else. I could simply put on my running shoes whenever I liked and go wherever I wanted. In races, I didn’t have to rely on a teammate to make the shot, hit the ball or catch the pass. Whether I did extremely well or was an abysmal failure, I was entirely responsible.

My perspective on the individual aspect of running began to change soon after I became a running coach for Team In Training. I realized that nothing significant in life, particularly training for and running a marathon, is ever accomplished alone. The support and encouragement a runner receives during training and along the marathon course is as important as the perfect pass in a team sport.

Charity runners are undoubtedly part of a TEAM committed to one goal…raising as much money as possible to make a significant difference in the lives of others…to give hope and opportunity to those that have gone far too long without both.   I’ve been so inspired by the example of the thousands of charity runners that I’ve coached who place their commitment to the mission of their respective charity about their individual achievement.

I have never been more proud to be on a team than being on Team In Training and the Marathon Coalition TEAM! I am honored to be the coach of so many determined and committed runners. Their example of selflessness inspires me to give more of myself at every opportunity. The team spirit that exists on the Marathon Coalition TEAM has helped me to think less of myself and my personal goals and far more about how I can help others achieve their goals.

Being a coach of charity runners is one of the greatest gifts I’ve received…I rank it up there with my wife and children!

Go TEAM!