Half Marathons. What's Your Passion?

I’m a supportive type and like to learn about new things that people are doing, especially ones I never have any intention of attempting. One of the people in my office is a triathlonist (I stole the -ist part from violinist. If there are violinists, then a person who does triathlons could be a triathlonist right?). He mentioned he was going to do a half marathon this week, and I decided to go and watch. I must remind myself to be a friend to me in the future, because I’m a great friend, so supportive.

He sent me the program. I had to be at his house to drive over with him and another person from our company who was doing it as well, and a running friend of his who he says is better than him. Judging from her thighs, he might be right. I got up at 5, walked the dog, had some coffee, arrived at 6:40 and everyone was standing outside his house waiting for me. I guess runners think that 6:45 means 6:30.

He gave me a chair to take with us, and I came with some of my own equipment; two books, my computer (with satellite card), one health food bar that I went and bought yesterday special because I felt bringing cinnamon buns might make me stand out, my cell, my purse, my mega camera equipment and a hooded sweatshirt.

We were driving over to the race and he mentioned the person from our office (a 33-year-old salesperson – clear, aggressive in the the best of ways, and a little nervous at doing her first cross-country race with the CFO of our company) is doing half the race and will be finished in 45 minutes. I turn around and notice we only have the one chair for me. I’m thinking, “Great, she is going to be exhausted and I’m going to have to give her my chair.” I think for a second and then say, “I’m not giving you my chair.” They all start laughing and I know that they think I’m kidding. Not so much.

We get to the sign-in place and they run in and get their numbers. The really great friend runner just pins it to her chest. The CFO has this belt thing that he uses for his. It’s very methodical. The newbie salesperson is trying this way and that and finally decides she is going to go with the pins because the belt is sort of bothering her. We drive to the start and park the car. I realize we have to walk to the race and I’m carrying a 20-pound bag thinking, “Why did I do this?”

I set up camp on the side of the parking lot. Here is a picture of my camp spot. I take some pics of them and realize the memory card I brought is damaged and I only can take one or two pictures. So, the point of me coming was to practice photography and I can only take three pictures.  And, one of them has to be my camp spot because I’m a blogger and need to document the event. Of course, I notice that they have 25 things each and none of them forgot anything. That’s actually not true. CFO forgot his drink packs (two) but he had a friend bring them so I can’t count that.

So, off they go and I start reading and watching the sun coming over the mountains. It looks stunning, and I realize that there is something to be said for peaceful, out of doors activities. I make a mental note to spend more time outside. I mean it.

They all come in right when they said they would. They were elated, and so was I watching them. Not because they won the New York City Marathon, but rather because it’s nice to see passion in people. Passion is such an important part of life and observing it in others brings it out in you. Running until it hurts could never be a passion of mine, but photography is a passion, and so is writing and so is reading. So, I’m a lucky girl. And, they are lucky too. What’s your passion?