The Perseverists

Part of the fun of volunteering at trail races is watching other runners persevere despite the suffering they endure. On Saturday, I saw a few people struggle through their races at the Texas Trail Running Festival. A few puked. But they picked themselves up and kept going to the finish. One guy was determined to quit and was ready. Then he sat in a chair, had a gel and some cold water. He stood up, looked me in the eye and said, "You know what? I'm finishing this thing." He had 3 miles left in a marathon. My favorite finisher was Kelly, a friend from the Rio Grande Valley. She was doing her first marathon. She is in her early 60s and isn't fast. She knew it would take her a while. With each loop, she grew more determined to finish.  Watching people persevere with grit and grace inspires me as I approach the remaining races of 2020. I will hang onto those lessons and channel the strength of those I saw this weekend. Photo: Social-distance selfie: Kelly Cunningham, PJ Izaguirre and me.