Sunday, May 5th was one of the those rare, perfect Vancouver days that makes you forget about the last six months of rain. The organizers of the Vancouver half and full marathon couldn't have chosen a better day.
Although I wasn't running the BMO-sponsored race this year, I woke up early with excitement. I had the very important job of being a spectator for my clients and friends who had trained since mid January for their first, third, fifth or 15th 21- or 42-kilometre.
At 6 a.m., downtown Vancouver was quiet. Most people were still sleeping. As I strolled with my dog, Naiya, I could feel the nervous excitement from the soon-to-be racers as they neared the start line. Some runners shuffled across the intersections like they didn't want to expend too much energy before the race, and others were nervously marching like they were afraid they might be late and miss the event. Since I had nothing to be nervous about, I enjoyed this early morning and the charge of energy.
At 7:30 a.m., I made my way to our pre-planned cheering station in front of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre where I was to meet my friends. As I stood on the sidewalk waiting for the runners to arrive, I looked around and noticed that both sides of Beach Avenue were crowded with spectators. Some had signs for their mom, dad, partner or friend. Some were cheering for a collective team such as Team in Training, which raises money for leukemia and lymphoma research. And some people didn't seem to have anyone in particular they were cheering for but just wanted to be a part of the race.
To make myself visible among the crowds, I had my giant, green foam hand from the Tour de France. For over an hour, I waved my hand and gave big green high-5s to anyone who looked like they needed a boost.
It doesn't matter if a runner finishes in one hour or three, each has invested a huge amount of time, dedication and effort to get where they are at that moment.
It is the cheering of strangers and friends that gives runners that extra boost, motivating them to push their limits, giving themselves the best race they are capable of.
It is the reason why the New York Marathon is the most popular marathon in the world. It isn't because of the route or the race T-shirt. It is the most desired marathon to run because over two million spectators line the streets to cheer and millions more watch on TV. That is a lot of extra energy!
If you understand the power of energy and how it can be passed from person to person, you will understand the power of the spectator. When a friend or stranger takes the time to stand on the side of the road for hours, just to tell me I am "looking strong" and "can do it," I believe it. I believe it because they believe it for me. I take their energy with me for the next few kilometers, pushing my own negative thoughts away. It is their positive energy that propels me forward and keeps my legs moving until I finally cross that line.
For the spectator, they leave the race feeling inspired by the strength, determination and dedication of the racer. Hopefully as a racer, you will have inspired the spectators to try a race for themselves but if not, that's OK because the race wouldn't be the same without the spectators.
Congratulations to everyone who trained, raced and finished the BMO half and full marathons on May 5.
Thank you to all the spectators and volunteers who supported them along the way.
Kristina Bangma is a coach, personal trainer and writer with a love of riding and racing. Email questions to Kristina@kitsenergy.com.
