simple joys of life

when you run 13.1 miles, you have two hours to think. i'm pretty sure i caught my mind running in so many different directions today as i ran around the city of nashville for the 2013 country music half marathon. i think about so many things and go through different things in my life that i'm thankful for. i also look for the simple things at the race, like when a friend sees a friend cheering them on, when little kids are watching from the sidelines with their hands out to give runners high-fives. i make sure when i see that to go out of my way and give them a high five back. today it was raining the entire race, but i even caught myself being grateful for the rain and not the intense heat and sweating which usually occurs during the country music race.
there was a different atmosphere this year, however, for runners. i can't explain it, and it wasn't a negative atmosphere, it was actually uplifting and encouraging. after the tragedy at the boston marathon a couple of weeks ago, you could see and feel the resilience of the runners today and that everyone's heart went out to the victims and their families, especially the lives that were lost and the 150 injured. i also found myself remembering how much and why i love nashville. as we ran by the fire department and churches and other organizations within the city, their volunteers and employees all standing outside in the pouring rain screaming and cheering, the runners would pass by and cheer back for the firemen, churches, etc. i saw one guy in his 30's probably running and he fist pump cheered the fire dept. it was touching and encouraging to see the life of a city playing out in supporting a race- when it is below 50 degrees and pouring rain. not to mention, the runners' support for each other. i saw two handicapped people on the course today with people pushing them and running alongside them. runners that passed by would cheer for them. it's the little, simple joys that you experience in a race that make you want to experience and be constantly reminded of them in day to day life.