With one mile to go, I saw a child up ahead on the pavement holding a sign that read “tap for speed.” I made a deliberate move to ensure I was in touching distance of the sign as I passed.
Touching the sign did in fact give me speed. It brought joy and laughter to the lad and his young pals too. It was a terrific moment. I felt as though I had jet boosters on my back. The lactic acid in my legs decreased, yet my pace increased, passing a few runners in the process. Recording the final mile as my second fastest of the entire race at 6:09.
I don’t know the science behind some of the experiences that I have when I’m at my physical limits during racing. But I do know that the most powerful ways to lower the sense of discomfort in any given moment is to be both the recipient and giver of kindness and encouragement whenever the opportunity arises.
This isn’t anything new, but it’s always a wonderful reminder to feel it first hand such as yesterday with all the spectators encouraging us with claps, kind words and even when I was grimacing, to “keep on Smilinggg!”
The two videos are from dad capturing the final 400m of the race, where my ‘jet boosters’ were pushing me to the finish and moments after crossing the finish line.
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛