Shoulder Taps

During the last few miles of my marathon, I struggled.  I was mentally exhausted more than anything, because I had just spent the last few hours pushing through hills and I just did not have it in me to run any more hills.  I was starting to give up and I just wanted to finish.  I had trained for this for the last several months, running several times during the week and consistently every Sunday with Zina for my long runs, and we had practiced on hills many times.  It's not like I wasn't prepared.  It goes to show how much of a mental battle that running really is. 

Just as I started to walk a little bit during the last mile (I know, sounds crazy because I was almost done), a man that I've never met before came running up behind me and he tapped me on the shoulder.  He said "you can do this."  It was his words that helped push me to start running again and to finish strong. 

I want to share this experience because we do not truly understand how powerful encouraging words can be.  We can get so busy in our own lives that we don't take the time to encourage those around us that are working hard to accomplish their goals. 

If I wouldn't have had many "shoulder taps" throughout my life, I don't think I would be where I am now.  I don't think I would have survived being a single mom that continued with her education and eventually earned a Master's degree.  I don't think I would have survived many other hardships I've endured.  We should all take the time out of our busy lives to tap someone on the shoulder each day and encourage him or her to keep going.  We all are struggling in this life together and we can all finish strong together if we can take the focus off of ourselves for a moment.