NOTE: OLYMPICS MARATHON SPOILER ALERT BELOW!
Running can be a lonely sport.
Sure there are plenty of group runs that are filled with chatter and support that takes your mind off of the task at hand, and I look forward to every single one of those, but the fact of the matter is that most of my runs are done solo.
With my old job, it was virtually impossible to do group runs as most people laughed when I said, “Can you meet at 4:45 a.m.?” So instead my running buddy became the treadmill. The treadmill and I became close and I tried to keep myself entertained with Netflix, music and mind games, but these solo runs were always a continual test of how long I could stay motivated, focused and on track. In other words…how long I could talk to myself.
When I woke up early this morning to watch the women’s Olympic marathon online, I was in tears. Not because of the race itself, the finish times, or Russia’s awesome job at the finish, but because of Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher.
They trained together, had the same coach, are both the running community’s starlets, and as an outsider looking in, it seemed to be that they are good friends. But let’s not forget that they are competing against each other as well – an awkward position full of immense pressures, fears, excitement and doubt.
While each had their own personal goals and dreamed of Olympic gold for themselves, such dreams weren’t realized at this race. They both spoke to the media a bit about their disappointment and seemed visibly upset at the finish. However, when I saw this moment in action, I teared up:
Two fierce competitors embracing each other unlike any of the other countries’ teams. They were clearly disappointed and exhausted, but as good friends should be, they scooped each other up and were supportive in the good times and bad. At that moment, I forgot all about how they placed and they proved once again why they are my race favorites.
So if my wildest dreams came true and Shalane or Kara were reading this, I want to say congratulations on all that you have accomplished and a strong fight to the finish, but more importantly, take that friendship and run with it (no pun intended).
With my recent change in career and personal life, I’m looking forward to finding my Shalane Flanagan (I’ve got dibs on Kara). Let’s be running partners in crime that push ourselves to new levels, bring us down when we get inflated, and help pick up the pieces when it falls apart. Interested parties please let me know.
Happy Running!
Cute post, page. I’ll be your Shalane if you want a training buddy who finishes an hour behind you.
In all seriousness – I love them too. They seem to have their heads on straight and be genuinely supportive.
I was also teary eyed when the two of them finished, especially when Kara knelt down and helped Shalane to her feet. They both clearly had a tough race.
Brilliant post. I also woke up in the wee hours for the second day in a row (woke at 2 yesterday for the triathlon and 4 today for the marathon) and couldn’t help but cry at that image, too.
They looked so disappointed and spent, and when Kara helped Shalane up and then continued to walk that way, I couldn’t help but be so proud of their friendship (along with the athletic achievement).
If you can get my husband and me visas to live/work in the states, I’ll gladly be your Flanagan!!
Awww so touching and cute! Love this pic of them! Congrats again on the new job.
I will admit teared up a bit when Kara helped Shalane up right after the finish too. They are both really inspiring women and athletes.
Yes, I am blonde so I am happy to stand in as Shalane. However, I don’t live nearby and I can’t keep up with you. But, those are minor details. We can just skype each other in or something.
Oddly, I was thinking today about how much…. running with other people doesn’t seem to work for me. Making plans to run with others often means I lock myself into a planned run, even when my body/injuries/state of mind would have found me taking the day off if I weren’t locked in, or running longer, etc.
So the real issue is that I prefer to run with a lot of flexibility; when I want, how far I want, where I want. Running with others makes that more complicated, and usually requires scheduling in advance. And I think running plans curse me–every single time I’ve tried to run with XLMIC this week, I’ve found some body issue that has cause me to cancel.
I choked up at that center as well.. They looked so dissapointed… But I’m very proud of them
I’d be interested if not for the sad state of affairs that you might actually run 2x as fast as me. Maybe 3x.
What a great post! I would love to find a running partner and friendship like they have. It is amazing!! Good luck on finding yours! You are an amazing athlete and know the best is still to come for you!
This is awesome! I feel like Asia is my Shalane ( I like Kara too) but since now she is training for Ironman still and I’m trying to get to Boston, I’ll be logging a TON of miles solo. I’ve got to work on some mental toughness (or listen to books while I run like Ryan Hall does according to the AT&T commercial).
I don’t have a group to run with either and sometimes I think it would be helpful to me to have a girl like Kara and Shalene have in each other. I wish we lived closer
Love this post. I loved how at the finish, Kara helped Shalane up. And I loved how in their Runner’s World interviews, they talk about each other in such a supportive and encouraging way.
It was great to see the two of them together after they both ran hard races and both fell short of their goals. I can’t imagine what kind of disappointment they must have faced.
I’d be you Shalene….if you weren’t on the other side of the country.
I love this post Page, and I love Shalane and Kara, they are my two favorite athletes.
I`d love to be your Flanagan but I`m a little far off in Europe and not nearly as fast as you are.
Anyways I think as these two women as my running inspiration as they are not only great athletes but fair sportsman and amazing friends. I wish I had a friend like one of these two.