I have had an interesting 6 months or so. It started with breaking my foot and has included; some random tailbone infection, my sister being in the Boston Marathon and the stress of not knowing if she and her husband were ok, getting knocked down at the start of a race, and having lingering injury issues that have me unsure of what this race season will bring. It can be difficult to stay focused/motivated to get out there and work hard. This is where all my athletes come in... and how much they motivate me. Day in and day out they push themselves to new heights they didn't know they could achieve. They doubt themselves and worry... but in the end they push and do the hard work because I have given them the reassurance that they are capable... and that they are stronger than they think.
Today, I was to run a half marathon, (which at the time of registering I was planning on running a sub-1:30), however over the last month I have not been running because of a lingering injury that has forced me to pay attention to it. The worst part was I was planning on running with my sister and get her to a new PB. I was disappointed and decided I would run 10km just so I was still able to start the race with her and I could test the leg to see if the rest and treatment was helping. However, once I was out there something interesting happened..on an out and back section other ladies running the race (athletes that were 2 or 3km behind me) started cheering for me and telling me I looked awesome. Now at this point I was running a pace that for me is fairly easy and was planning to stop at 10km. Then I realized that although I was having some pain, I was still running... and running fairly well. I began thinking of my athletes... one was running in the same race as myself, and three athletes were running a marathon/half marathon in Ottawa. I knew they would be hurting but none of these athletes would quit, not for anything...so why should I?? I used their hard work and determination to keep me going forward. I had a huge smile on my face...I thanked every person who cheered me on...I chatted with the Firemen who were working the aid stations.... and I waved at the little girls who were cheering for me because my name was Barbi.
Was it my fastest half marathon? Not even close...but I was able to finish something I started with my sister. I didn't give up, just as none of my athletes would ever give up. AND... I got some of the best news ever...my athletes ALL reached their goals today...so damn proud right now!! Thanks for the motivation and inspiration UltraPossible athletes! You make me soar!!
Some pics of some of the greatest athletes around that make my life so full!!
P.S. Did I mention that I love my Job??
