It felt euphoric this weekend and last to stand and support the runners of the Manchester Marathon and the Stratford-Upon-Avon Half and Full Marathon. I was there to support my husband and sister respectively. I made signs. I ran around to ensure I saw them at different spots.
The spectators are important because they inspire the runners to keep going. They make them feel like they’re not alone. There’s someone cheering for them, providing them with fuel (sweets, bananas, water), and pushing them to not give up. It keeps morale high.
But I soured my own experience yesterday by suddenly thinking, “these people are amazing, what am I doing with my life?“.
I’ve never done a race for a medal. Well, that’s not strictly true. I have completed two Wolf Runs (in 2018 and 2025). I’ve also done the Mud Girl run. So I have some medals, some t-shirts, some accolades. But no 10k run, Half Marathon or Marathon. No Hyrox or other. Nothing…epic? Nothing awe-inspiring?
And before anyone starts to worry, I am not naive to the fact that this is unnecessary thinking! I needn’t compare myself to marathon runners! If I never do a long race in my life, I will be in the majority. I will be normal.
My husband pointed out yesterday that more and more people are completing marathons each year. He asked whether this meant that the marathon was no longer a challenge. If it’s now an accessible race to complete. I said no. I said it’s probably just a case that more people are willing to suffer to complete it! That with social media making running look appealing and building a community around it, more people wish to partake. Now, I’m also wondering if things like new fancy running shoes and clothing is also part of the appeal.
This is all to say that we live in a world now where it is likely that you will know someone personally who has ran or is planning to run a half or full marathon. More people are completing highly publicised fitness events and showcasing it online. No wonder I’m sat here comparing myself to them.
I also thought, man, my sister in law has just smashed my park run PB and 5k PB at the age of 36 and after having two kids! She’s amazing. My other sister in law is pregnant…with twins! Everyone is so incredible yet I’m…average. I’m working on nothing impressive right now.
Considering types of people and roles
Are some people spectators and others participants? Do we need both cheerleaders and contestants? That’s balance, right? Or should we all aspire to be both? To take it in turns to be the one doing, and then the one cheering?
Is it okay to just be a very good support system for those out there doing the hard things?
I am the type of person who likes to challenge myself sometimes. It won’t always be something others see as much of a challenge, but I know that it’s important for me. This is why I like New Year’s and birthdays: I get to set new challenges. I did put on list to do a race for a medal this year, but it was quite a random, almost “have to” thing to list. It’s not like I’m an avid runner besides park runs. Not like I had a specific event in mind.
Does this mean I wasn’t actually serious about it? I just put it on there because it’s a thing to do?
And is it okay to take things off your list once you realise you weren’t all that passionate about it? Or to do the thing just because it’s on the list, even if you didn’t care much?
Two truths can exist at once, after all.
Why does this bother me? Why even think about it so much? Maybe because my personal best now seems so far away (this time last year I ran a sub 29 minute 5km but now I can barely manage 35 mins). Or that those around me are excelling and no longer in my range or behind me. I see people levelling up, taking risks, making big life changes, and therefore I can’t help comparing where I’m at and what I’m doing.
But…why?
Why does everything always feel like a competition?
The thing I loved about witnessing these marathons the last two weekends is that camaraderie. The wholesome nature of the events, where people from all walks of life run and suffer together. They help one another. Cheer each other on. And people make signs, sit outside their houses, play music, and give to strangers.
That’s beautiful. That’s evidence of humanity’s true nature under all the hate and war we are used to seeing on the news.
The competition isn’t really there. People aren’t (that I saw) elbowing each other out of the way for a PB. It’s not about winning (for most), it’s about completing it for yourself. It’s an internal, mental battle. A test of endurance and resilience and mind-body connection. And you share in that with the other runners.
Maybe that’s the feeling I’m seeking? To share in something great and awe-inspiring. To know I did a hard thing for me.
I don’t want to sit back and watch other people do great things all the time
And that’s valid, right?
Conclusion
So what am I trying to say with this rambly post that probably should have just been a journal entry? What’s the conclusion or action point here? There’s a few:
- It’s okay, and important, to be the cheerleaders of others while you’re not in a time of challenge or change.
- Jealousy or envy is only healthy if it shows you what you wish to do; if you’re jealous, maybe it’s something to consider for yourself, thus using the emotion as motivation and direction.
- Some people will be always smashing PBs, doing new races, taking on new challenges and that’s okay; that’s great for them and doesn’t need to be you.
- Can you use that energetic person in your life as inspiration / a buddy to challenge you or enter a race with?
- Reality check yourself: do you even like running? If not, why compare?!
- Adding to the above: remember that the idea of something (or how it looks on the outside) is very different to the reality of it (and how it feels to do it)
It is rare to complete a marathon in your lifetime. Just because we see runners every year, that doesn’t mean it’s average or easy or mandatory or whatever!
Instead, it’s an incredible feat and one not to be taken on lightly. You have to dedicate real time and effort to getting yourself (mind and body) ready to partake. Those people are great, and they need great spectators to ensure they make it past the finish line.
Will I ever do a marathon? Probably not. A half marathon? Probably. For now, I just need to work on enjoying running again, building a routine so I don’t fall back on the progress I made last year, and allow myself to be humbled by the great people around me smashing PBs.
You’re incredible, and I will continue to cheer for you until it’s my turn (which will come, in some form or another).
Sincerely,
S. xx
S. R. Crawford 