Behind Brown Eyes
~Michael Smith, Coach and colleague :)
Kicked off my first day of #training for my first full #marathon with a 12 mile run in my new #Asics! I’ve finally found my #running mojo again!! #Shoes: the #motivation I needed to free myself from this awful winter funk. Amen!
An inspiring story and commitment to making a difference through running, written by my favorite Yankee season ticket-holder, Julie.
What a blessing to think of all of the people we meet as we go through life—at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected places. My mom and I met Julie because she sits in front of us at the Yankee games. Julie has so much spunk, drive and passion; she’s the type of friend you always want to be around. She makes the games fun and exciting, even with no mo’ Mo (for now). And without Mo, the laughter definitely helps us keep our spirits high!
Julie is so dedicated to running that she inspires and (unknowingly) challenges me to be a better athlete. She gives me the confidence to be a better runner through her words, but also through her actions and what she has accomplished.
Wishing you the best of luck on your 24 hour race for BoMF!!! Maybe one year I’ll join you? But let’s stick to us doing a half marathon first, not to mention a full, before I consider a literal DAY of running.
The days and weeks leading up to a race—injuries, anxiety, worries, nerves and duration of training aside—I always say to myself, “Why do I put myself through this misery? I’ll never do this again.” And yet here I am, registered for my second half marathon. And my first of 2012!
There’s a rush you get from a race. It’s indescribable. The adrenaline, the determination, the drive to finish. The emotional, all-consuming feeling of accomplishment that spreads from head to toe when you cross the finish line at top speed. Your goal, once an illusive thought and unrealistic expectation, now in plain sight. So real. So reachable.
And in this moment. When the goal you’ve trained for lies directly ahead…it’s only you that matters. You are in control. You’re doing this for you and you alone. Nothing else matters…in this moment.
Family, friends, fans and fellow runners seamlessly slip into the background. And get lost in it. Every face and shape in the crowd turns a translucent blur, as your eyes focus solely on the destination ahead.
Goals will be reached.
Records broken.
Hope restored.
Passion renewed.
Motivation rediscovered.
The finish line is in sight.
You will reach your goal.
So go on.
RUN.
You’ve earned it.
And remember…
If you have your mind set on a goal, you can, and you will, achieve it.
My favoritest favorite thing about spring,
Is what the start of the season guarantees to bring.
When the winter chills,
Turn into warm spring thrills,
And the beaming bright sun,
Says it’s time to run!
Hit the streets,
Let your feet grace the road,
Turn up the (Josh) Turner,
Embrace the “Just Do It” mode.
Focus your breathing,
Feel your heart beat,
It’s you and the road,
The road’s yours to defeat.
The breeze keeps you going,
Step-right-left-repeat,
Push yourself to the limit,
Push yourself through the heat.
You’ve made it this far,
Pushed it out every mile,
Your feat is the journey,
And one that’s worthwhile.
Focus your breathing,
Feel your heart beat,
The road is your battle,
Your battle to defeat.
Destination ahead,
Victory in sight,
Run til the end,
This is your fight.
