When I do my long runs, I like to keep my head in a positive place. Among the rainbows and unicorns that danced in my head as I banged out yesterday’s 11-miler, I got to thinking about the impact spectators have on me in races:
- One of them gave me the mantra I still use today when she shouted “More than enough!” as she jammed Lady Gaga’s Poker Face along the path at the Grand Rapids Marathon.
- A guy yelled “Lady in purple you look hot!” at mile 24 of the steamy 2010 Chicago Marathon Maybe he was referring to the fact that I was a sweltering mess but I took it the other, more complimentary way and it put some much-needed wind in my sails for those last grueling miles.
- A lady said “See the balloons up ahead? That’s the finish line. You SO have this.” She didn’t know I was within minutes of my first BQ and in my fatigue-addled state, this was exactly what I needed to hear.
I could go on. While I do just fine ‘running within myself’ at smaller races where spectators are sparse, for some reason, when I’m ultra tired and depleted in the final stages of a race, I’m extremely grateful for spectators and I seem to hang on their every word. I think it was Oprah who said you see Jesus at mile 20 of marathon. Maybe those people with the kind words that have stuck with me are really angels? At that moment they surely were.
I think I need to stake out in the final stages of races more often and dish out supportive words just as was done for me.
Are you motivated by spectators? Do things they say/signs they carry stick with you?
Love “lady in purple you look hot”! That’s great motivation!
I do find that spectators can help at low points in races. I’ve been really low late in the marathon and looked up to see kids reaching out for a high five. I have plastered a smile on and give them that high five and I’m pretty sure I gained energy back from them.
Ha, I didn’t know Oprah said that. Once again, Oprah strikes with awesome commentary! I agree. That’s why I if I listen to music during a race, I can only do one ear because I really want to hear what people around me are saying.
HAHAA you look hot that is awesome!!!
I love when spectators have funny signs. I feel like laughing mid-race really helps. I don’t know why. I also love big crowds that are just really loud.
I’m impressed that you can remember those specific words- I’ve heard some great words of encouragement in a race, too, but couldn’t tell you today what they were. 🙂 Definitely powerful!
I love it when spectators are supportive, but sadly I don’t remember them a whole lot. I remember smokers watching from the sidelines and 1 guy who yelled “you only have 2 more miles!” in the last 100 yards of my first marathon. Jerk! Maybe I need to focus more on the positive ones:) Way to focus on the positive Marcia!
The main reason I don’t run with music is so that I can interact with other runners and hear the comments of the crowd. I don’ remember specifically what people have said, but I know they have made me smile in spite of my pain. Except those that say “you’re almost there” when you have more than a mile to go.
It was very weird last year to be at the same points in the marathon and actually seeing a crowd! The charity runners got to start in the first wave and it helped tremendously with the crowd support. So yes crowd support is definitely great!
I don’t need spectators in a race, but having other racers nearby helps me a lot.
I love the support except when they yell, you’re almost there, when in fact you have at least a mile more to go
I’m not one who likes being centre of attention so I really don’t like spectators noticing me. So I found one particular event particularly confronting. It was the Brisbane Half and our bibs had names printed on that but I’d forgotten that fact while I was running and couldn’t work out how so many people knew my name when I didn’t recognise them at all. About halfway through the race I finally worked it out.
I love the signs spectators make for races! I am spectating a half in April & May! I’ve got to work on my signs!! Trying to think of ones that powered me through different parts of my races but then again – my brain forgets them almost as soon as I see them! I love that someone singled you out by your clothing! That’s awesome.
Oh. Em. Gee.
We are like brain wave twins or something. I posted about spectators today, too! But mine was more along the lines of advice for spectators. If you ever race near me, I will totally come and holler like the motivating marvel that I am 😉
The spectators really push me to give myself that extra kick in the butt when I am lagging! I like to read the signs too. Some of them are really interesting especially the ones like “Hey, Random Stranger, you are doing great!”
Spectators are such a big and important part of it all! I love when people are totally into the race and cheering their hearts out. “you look hot” IS great motivation 🙂
Thing 2 looks thrilled!! 🙂
What I loved most about Chicago was the vast supply of screaming fans. I love the solitude of running on the trails and absorbing nature, but there is nothing that makes my legs start flying than crowds cheering you on. I think it’s why I am a true road marathoner at heart.
I am definitely motivated by spectators. It makes me run faster and I love all the cheers.
I always perk up when you post something with the Columbus Marathon
I love race signs, my personal favorite is “Worse Parade Ever”
Spectators help me the last .2 of a marathon and I could do without the cow bells all together. Then again, at my age if someone called me hot at every mile, even if were a homeless person or derelict, that might be a motivator.
I’ve helped out at a few races and have enjoyed the experience. Twice I was at about half way through a 10 miler. It was neat to see the different people flying through at amazing paces and then equally amazing seeing the last couple people come through as well, well behind the front, fighting equally as hard as the first two. I don’t remember anything I might have said that was out of the ordinary, but maybe I need to come up with something…I did avoid the “halfway there” and “you’re almost done” shouts.
i haven’t seen many signs (I haven’t raced any marathons tho) but I love seeing the pictures and the things people come up with. Hopefully, I’ll see lots of signs in Eugene to keep me distracted from the pain of my first marathon….if not I have the voices in my head to keep me company!
Love spectators and definitely feed off them. Like you I can remember some things spectators have yelled to me a key moments – angels indeed!
People – nice people – have so much more an impact on us then we realize! 🙂
I could have used a guy shouting that at me when I did the Dallas half and thought I was done at 13, forgettting the damn .1. 🙂 But that was a fun run because of all the people cheering everyone on. You’re right – it really helps.
Gaye
I don’t always notice spectators, because I’m “in the zone” but there are times when they pick me up when I need it. I’ve seen some funny/entertaining signs out on race courses. During my first marathon, spectators did pick me up a little bit or at least kept me moving.
Hi there, I honestly like reading your posts, sometimes non-standard due to you!