Monday, June 7, 2010

The awesomeness of runners.

Saturday was The Race: The Freihofer's Run for Women, which "my runners" had been working toward for the past three months. It was awesome. Even more, I saw again the hard-core awesomeness of runners.

But first, the expo.

On Friday, I met up with four of the new runners and fellow running blogger, Suzy, to get our shirts, bibs and box o' chocolate chip cookies! Makes it all worth it . . .

With Suzy just before heading over to the cookie table.

With new runners Bridget and Jen M.

I have to admit it was a little exciting watching everyone get their first bibs! Bibs in hand, we picked up our cookies and then headed off to shop. Suzy and Jen F. picked up some cute Bondi Bands and I kept my wallet in my bag, although there were plenty of cute things I could have purchased.

And then it was race day.

Hot and humid, but no rain. The forecast had been iffy so the no rain thing was big. The group met ahead of time for a pre-race photo and what was supposed to be my last pep talk. I didn't have it in me. Folks, I don't know if I've said this before but I'm a crier. Oh, yeah. Total crier. Sobby McCrierson. Add in some pregnancy hormones and, sheesh, I turn into a weeper.

So, I skipped my talk. I knew I wouldn't be able to get the words out without getting choked up so, instead, I simply gathered the runners, wished them good luck and gave them each one of these:


I'd had these bracelets made about a month ago and couldn't wait to hand them out! They say, "Strong Running Mama" on them because each of the runners are just that: Strong running mamas! Hard working, tough, getting-it-done women.

So, off we went to race and everyone did great but you'll have to wait until tomorrow when I post my race report to learn more about it. Sorry!

For now, I want to talk about this:


After the race, we lined up to take a group shot and the runners presented me with a gift bag. As soon as I pulled the book out, I teared up (Sobby McCrierson, remember?). If I was teary just looking at the cover, when I opened the book I was full-on crying:


The girls had made a beautiful book celebrating the running group and our journey together. It's full of pictures from our group runs and some of me running various races over the past years. They also put in a bunch of my favorite quotations and even some things that I've written on this blog.

I had to wait until I was home to look at it for real because I was simply too emotional right after the race to view it without sobbing.

It's just a wonderful, special gift. I love it. Love the photos, love the quotes but most of all I love the sentiment behind it:

Awesome. Runners are awesome. And I couldn't be happier to have had a small part in turning a few great women into awesome runners.

Jeez, I'm getting teary just writing about it! I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to start this running group a little over three months ago. I thought it would be fun, for sure, but I didn't realize how much I would get out of the group. I didn't realize that simply by trying to share my love for running with a group of non-runners, my appreciation for that most basic human activity of moving forward would grow. And I really had no way of knowing how much the new runners would come to love running. I'm happy they do. I'm proud of what they've accomplished. I'm glad I was part of it!

Now, before I cry again, I'll sign off. But I'll be back tomorrow with my race report so you can find out how well all these awesome runners did in their first race!

Thanks for reading!

~ Felice

25 comments:

Unknown said...

Awwwwwww. How special. :-)

Tricia said...

so sweet!

Anonymous said...

Awwwww, that's so special and nice of them to do that!!!!

Suzy said...

You were awesome! You changed some of their lives because of your love of running. I'm so happy you like the book.

Jen said...

I'm so glad you like the book!!! I feel so honored to be one of "your runners". Its been an amazing journey!

Marlene said...

What beautiful and touching gifts - both the bracelets and book.

Congratulations all around!!!

Bridget said...

okay - crying right now from your post.

Abby said...

What an awesome end to your first coaching experience. Sounds like you have a real gift.

kaydi327 said...

What a sweet, sweet gift. So cute.

ihaverun said...

Runners are awesome!! I've never felt as much a part of a group as I do with runners.

It sounds like they are as lucky as you are to be part of each other's lives!

MCM Mama said...

How sweet! Runners are indeed awesome.

Denise said...

oh, that is so sweet!! that will be something you'll remember and cherish forever!

can't wait to hear how the race went...

Amy said...

Aww, that's so nice. Congratulations on getting your group to their first race. Exciting!

Momma Twitch said...

Awww!! That was so nice of them! What a great experience. :)

J said...

I get emotional all the time about stuff the time! That was so nice of them to make that book for you! You really have touched their lives and showed them how much you love running!

*~*~* Tracy said...

Such a thoughtful gift! You have wonderful friends!

Lauren said...

Wow that just sounds so amazing :D

Darlene said...

Glad you like the book - you are awesome. Thanks for including me in the experience.

justme said...

that is too sweet

ajh said...

I love things like that book! What a nice present. I like the bracelets you handed out too!

Heather said...

What a great gift, I am almost crying just reading about it! I love the strong running mama bracelets too. :)

The Laminator said...

That's completely awesome! Runners are really cool people. What an awesome gesture too! A complete tear-jerker! Awesome!

Anonymous said...

What a great story! You watched something YOU created go from start to finish. WAY TO GO!

And that book- wow, what a treasure for you Felice! You realy are an inspiration!

RunKathyRun said...

I cried just reading your comments. What a fabulous experience for all of you.

JenLo said...

It is SO cool that you inspired a group of girls to try running for the first time. Last week, I rounded up about 6 newbies and we went out for our first group run. We are doing the Couch to 5K program and running their first 5K on August 8.

PS--I spied you at Freihofor's race!

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