REMEMBERING THE 9TH

Video version of this blog

Sunday July 9, 2006, was a very memorable day for me. It also happened to be the day of the 2006 Calgary Marathon. There are many things that would've made this day very memorable. I guess I could remember the fact that this race coincides with the Calgary Stampede, and that the race was started by the marshall firing a long barreled shotgun into the air! I guess I could remember being welcomed into Stampede Park by the RCMP marching band. I guess I could remember the jaunt through Calgary Zoo, which up to that point, I have never been in. I guess I could remember the nice run along Memorial Drive, where we bid farewell to the Half Marathoners who turned around. I guess I could remember how excited I was when, reaching the half way point of the race, I looked down at my watch and saw 1:50. I guess I could remember the turn around point at Bowness Park and when things started to fall apart for me. I guess I could remember all the volunteers at the aid stations, especially the ones with the sponges, and the realization that one can never be over hydrated during a marathon in the middle of July (props also to the residents along the route who sprayed me with their Supersoakers or garden hoses). I guess I could remember finishing the race in 4:22, and feeling a little disappointed that I didn't make my personal goal, which was under 4 hours.

But what made this day memorable was what happened AFTER the race. For, G&J, along with J&P&E were at the finishing line, cheering me home! Words cannot describe the phenomenon when one can easily forget the pain of the last 4 hours, when getting showered by encouragement by familiar ones. There is a concept in the business world called leveraging. Good leveraging is when small amounts of inputs create a significant, greater outcome. When it comes to friendship and relationships, leveraging good leverage can happen. Often times, we forget that it doesn't take a whole lot of time or effort to create an effect that it eternally lasting. Whether it's a quick email of encouragement or just standing at the finish line to welcome the runner back. Of course, the amazing Dim Sum lunch we had afterwards was fabulous too! But, through this, I'm reminded that I'm not running the race alone. That those around me, my family, friends and community, run this race with me.

So, what stands out at the end of the day are not the blisters, which will eventually heal, nor the blackened toenails, which will eventually grow back, or even the excruciating pain brought on by 4 hours of physial exertion. These memories will fade with time. But what is more lasting is the blessing of family, friends and community.

Congratulations to G&J who welcomed Megan Midori into the world on Friday July 21!






































The various looks of 42k. Yeah, it got progressively hotter.










Happy Birthday Megan!