The Virtual Wire

Numbers: 170,000

I may, periodically, inspire a few other people in my life. But today was my day to be inspired.

There exists a long list of names of people who inspire me, but ... this is a blog post, after all. So I'll shout out to E, to some very special friends at AssistU, to other close friends, to family, but on Sunday especially, to members of my learn-to-run crew who ran Run for the Cure with me. Ali, Andy, Jessica, Steve, and Jason: you have my thanks, as does everyone else on the run who may not have started out with me, or ended up at the Lion later on in the day to raise a pint to our fund raising, but who was there running or cheering.

Do you ever have one of those days (or weeks, or longer) when you know--you just know--you don't have enough in you to do it all without the inspiration of someone else? If you do, you'll understand how very important it is to bask in the knowledge that others have come to play not only a pivotal role in your life, but indeed, an inspirational role.

I belly ache about being too busy, and sometimes, about how it feels to be the responsible one: the one holding the bag, carrying the load, and well, fill in your own cliché here! But then, when I measure myself against good friends who continue to make amazing personal accomplishments, against odds, time, and immense pressures, my mind is lightened and I am again inspired.

On Sunday, approximately 170,000 people nationwide ran or walked or cheered others on in an effort to raise awareness, money, and solidarity in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. Together, we raised 26.5 million dollars. But the thing for me was the personal side of life. As I remarked to the gang while at the Lion, imagine the 30,000 personal, touching stories for Toronto runners alone.

So thank you, all who inspire me. It doesn't always take a phone call or an e-mail. Sometimes it just takes my knowing I'm in your thoughts.

Accomplishments

Yesterday morning, things were very different on Queen St. East; and indeed, different on many of Toronto's streets. The 20th annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon was about to take place, and there was excitement in the air.

Police were everywhere, as were race marshalls, helpers ... even musicians. Roads were blocked off. Spectators had started gathering. I had just finished guiding our (small) learn-to-run group through their 10's and 1's (10 minutes running and 1 minute walking, repeated) routine, and we were finishing our stretches in front of the Beaches Running Room location. As we were chatting, sirens began, and a small squadron of police vehicles (motorcycles and cars), lights flashing, began heading in our direction. The air was electric: the first few marathoners were on their way toward us, and would pass by in the next minute or so.

A group of seven or eight runners reached us. Our jaws dropped open as we cheered and clapped, and saw their amazing focus (not to mention pace). Everyone was thrilled. As the reality of individual achievement and accomplishment ran through my mind, I wondered how this small group of people could have already run 30 K in 1 1/2 hours! What must have been running through their minds? After all, while the battle to finish a race is partly through excellent physical training, at some point, it is largely won in the mind.

For the rest of Sunday I was inspired. I had tons of energy. I tackled school work, thought about the work I'd be doing in my virtual assistance business the coming week (some writing and proofing, for an educational textbook publisher), and generally was high all day.

Many runners trained on a team, and may have had running partners. But most runners treat one another as we do in the virtual assistance world: like friends and family, and as inspirations. The bottom line is the same in all cases: it is one of individual accomplishment. A spendid thing to witness, on a Sunday or any other day. And it really got me jazzed as I thought 'maybe, just maybe, I caught some of the marathoners amazing spirit today ... and can take it with me from this point forward'.