Thank you for a brilliant 2015

Thank you for a brilliant 2015

As we near the end of the year, its hard to not reminisce. Races run, injuries avoided, miles achievedall things to note and to consider improving upon for next year.

 

Before you fill up all 52 weeks of 2016s race calendar though, cast your mind back to that time you struggled. You looked that hill up and down and decided you couldnt do it, until a chipper stranger shouted over your shoulder that you could and you proved yourself wrong. Or the runners pace you copied for five of your hardest 13.1 miles. Or the girl on such a crazy mid-race high, her high-five powered you all the way to your fastest finish.

 

Yes, you race as an individual but when you run in an event, youre part of something bigger. A whole team of crazy people whod rather shovel porridge down their throats at dawn, than stumble home from the pub. We support each other and provide that extra push that keeps us going. And now is the perfect time to thank your teammates.

 

Our team doesnt just include the trainered pavement-pounders, though. Those finish arches and way-finding arrows didnt put themselves up. It wasnt elves who posted your race bib. And that life-saving Jelly Baby, didnt drop from the heavens, it was kindly handed to you. Without race organisers and volunteers, you wouldnt have a shiny new PB to brag about this year.

 

There are a lot of people to thank!

 

If you havent already given them a big sweaty hug, find a way of showing your appreciation to team running. Take time to encourage others on race day, pass on the same support that youve found so useful in races. Even a simple nod can make all the difference a way of saying youve got this, when actually all you can gasp is a weird squeak.

 

Even better, temporarily hang up your Garmin and volunteer at an event. How many people does it take to run a race? More than youd think on average, theres a volunteer for every nine runners. If everyone volunteered every tenth race, wed eventually all do our fair share of the chores.

 

Spread some runner love this festive season and say thank you!

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