Today I am thankful for Coach EK. After writing my BQ Madness post the other day, I was a bit worried that I would offend some of my running group or readers. As some of you know I like to be liked and I love my running group. That being said my post was just to get some feelings out and I want to make sure all my friends (bloggy, running, random homeless guy, etc.) know that they have my full support in any endeavor they set out to achieve. I sincerely, apologize to those whom I have offended. It was certainly not my intent, and the post was more about my frustration.
I am thankful that Coach EK sent me this email with a great perspective. I am also thankful that he is allowing me to post it here. Thanks Coach EK.
Beth,
Much to say, hope you have to the time to read it. 🙂
Your blog from Tuesday (BQ Madness) really struck a chord with me. And that’s a good thing. If a writer writes, and does NOT get a reaction, then it does not make someone think. And your blog did. So no issues with that.
My first thoughts were sarcastic, then non-understanding, then offense. Fortuatley, I did not put any of those down, as I would have regretted it (one of the reasons I am not on Facebook). What I did finally decide was to tell you a story (too long for the blog). Here goes:
My BQ story became much more than a quest to conquer a time on the clock. It became
the realization that I have wonderful, great friends around me. At the time we decided to try for this number, it was Coach T, Navy Steve, K and myself. No one else. V was around, but not the runner she is today. She was moral support.
Anyway, at the time, my life was turning into a mess. My girlfriend at the time dumped me, my job sucked, and my parents were sick. In other words life was tough. The only thing that was going well was my friends. And what friends they were. They helped me through with advice, wisdom, and help. They kept my spirits up, and kicked my butt when needed. Training became more than running – it became a refuge from life.
(We interrupt this story for your phone call).
(Now back to our regular programming).
As time went on, I discovered that I was not alone. And that I could overcome anything.
The race? Went off like clockwork. BQ in the bag with minutes to spare. But the BQ became secondary. Having these people, these friends around were more important than the race. I have never cried after a race. But when V was at the end with roses for each of us, I got teary-eyed. And the post-race picture is the only one I have in my home office. 4 competitors who got the job done. But, more importantly, people who to this day would do anything for each other.
So what did I discover? That BQ is more than a number, more than a goal, more than an
accomplishment. It’s a journey of discovery, and be careful. You never know what you
might find.
Thanks for listening.
Coach EK
What are you thankful for today?
I love your thankful Thursday posts!!! This one was especially good!
Let see— I am thankful for– blogging friends like you!
I'm thankful that my wife is a bad ass pit crew of one when I run a marathon!
it was great to read your coach's perspective too. thanks for sharing!
wow, your coach seems like a great guy!
I am thankful for the weather being perfect for biking this evening 🙂
Super post! And a great coach too. I have been exposed to my fairs hare of coaches in life, and I like his attitude.
Great post Beth! I'm thankful that you are such an amazing writer. I love coming here to see what you are going to share each day!
What a nice email, and a great lesson for life. Thanks for sharing!
Today I'm greatful that when Husband said we were going to Abblebee's for dinner he really meant Ruby Tuesdays. I can't get excited about Abblebees, but an all you can eat salad bar? That makes Kelly happy.
Nice story…thanks for sharing. As someone who missed BQ by 33 seconds and then had to train hard for an entire year to get the mark, I share the same sentiments as your coach. I know you are surrounded by a lot of people who might be "BQ mad"…but understand for some people that it is really more than just a number or a target…it represents something greater, like finishing a first ever marathon…so it's going to be a bitter pill to swallow if you discredit it…
I'm trying to do my part by helping others to B.Q. so this post really hit home for me…
I think most runners look like they are nuts to non-runners. BQ crazy runners look crazy to slower runners. Trail runners look crazy to road runners. They think Ultra Runners are crazy. We all think mountain bikers are crazy. It's all in good fun and I love to hear everyone's crazy stories. Thanks for sharing yours!
Great story! I sometimes feel that way – everything in life is crumbling around me, and my running group is the only thing that sometimes keeps me sane/cheerful.
BTW, I didn't find your previous offensive. 🙂
From Navy Steve,who cannot post due to well, Navy IT stuff. LOL!
"roger that! Yes – and different people are at different places in their life. Beginning runners start to do 5K races, then run longer, then longer races, then maybe a marathon, then maybe another, then maybe Boston, then maybe a relay, or mayber Tris, or maybe ultra stuff, or maybe Extreme, or maybe life gets in the way – and they have a family and get back at it years later, or maybe they are swimmers and they come into the tri world first that way – or bikers, or . . . different strokes for different folks.
I will tell you – when I was at Boston last year at the expo, I saw some Ironman Jackets – I was like – maybe some day I can wear one of those, but I then saw a Kona jacket, and I thought – that is the best jacket in this entire place, and I seriously doubt if I will ever where one of those. I don't think it is a goal for me. Western States 100 – probably not a goal for me as well. (although never say never!)
Navy Steve Goals simplified:
#1 Family & Friends
#2 Health
Corollary: A little bit of money to help out with #1 and #2"
What a great message. Thanks for sharing!
Another one for the books! For BOTH B.o.B. and Coach EK! That actually got me teary, EK! EK actually mentioned your blog to me Tuesday and then I read it afterwards. He said it was interesting to get different perspectives. That it is! Now we got his (and the Swifter's) and it makes it that much better. Thanks for sharing!!
I am thankful for BRA. Meeting this group has changed my life, not just my pace. Some members of this group have so much heart and determination that it's inspired me to do more than I ever thought possible. In addition to looking forward to running with the group, I look forward to breakfast on Saturday, dinner on Thursday, and I care about how people's workouts go because I know that is important to each of us.
Your blog the other day was not offensive, but it definitely put me on the defensive, and I feel silly for that. But Coach EK is right… any writer who can get that much response is a helluva writer! Way to go, B.o.B., and thanks for sharing your thoughts and EK's as well. I look forward to more blogs. You're awesome!
Not having read or known about the original blog until just now, let me say this…. Whatever it said, I certainly enjoyed the resulting responses.
There are infinite important goals in life. Running offers loads of them, whether it is to run your first 5K, first marathon, set a PR or throw down a BQ qualifier. These goals can be tailored to meet everyones talent level and other personal commitments. Each BRA member inspires me with their aspirations and dedication. One who inspires me greatly participates seldom in group runs. The time and effort many of us put into training, she puts into raising money for an outstanding charity. She races not to set a good time but to help her cause. Our sport allows for all of this and so much more. Watching fellow members set their goals, devise their plans, and strive towards attainment… that is my favorite part of belonging to this group.
One thing I know for sure… In my little spot in this group, there will always be room for differing goals and differing opinions.
i wasn't offended. no worries.
he's right though. it's not just about boston (for everyone anyway), it's another amazing experience and journey. i qualified but i didn't even run it this year – it's not necessarily that boston is THE race. to me it's the same as trying to reach what seems like an impossible 5k pr or training and completing a 100 mile race. boston just happens to be a little more well known among runners i guess so it can get blown out of proportion. it's always good to have goals to chase and boston is a good race to have as a goal. even non-runners SOMETIMES understand it. they certainly don't get what a 3:40 marathon means! lol. 🙂