COMMUNITY: Thank all your supporters

Many people describe running as an individual sport.

Although much of the work required to get out the door and headed down the path is an individual effort, I think we can all agree much of our running success comes from the support and encouragement we receive from others.

As I consider my running career, there are so many people who have had a positive influence on me and encouraged me to keep running for the past 23-plus years. As I consider each of these groups, I can't help but wonder if I've thanked them or let them know how much I appreciate all they've done:

Teammates/running mates - We've been blessed with terrific running mates throughout the years and have a core group of dedicated pals we can call upon for a particular tough or long workout. Our running friends truly are priceless. Having the support and encouragement from these friends help a person to push a little harder and go a little longer. Over the years, I've been lucky enough to share the running trails with a number of trusted training partners. Sadly, I'm not sure I've ever thanked them enough for all they've done to inspire me in my running throughout all of this time. To each of you who I've had the luxury of sharing a mile or two - thank you. If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider thanking your fellow running companions.

Co-workers/classmates - Many of us are surrounded by co-workers or classmates who never quite comprehend this crazy love for running we have. Regardless, they are kind enough to ask about current training plans, the next race we're gearing up for and even offer words of encouragement along the way. If you're lucky enough to be able to squeeze in a few miles over your noon hour, you likely are blessed with a leadership team that allows you to take a few extra minutes to get back to your desk following your run. I have enjoyed this luxury for the past 14 years and can't begin to thank each of my co-workers for the kind and encouraging words they've offered along the way. If you have supportive co-workers or classmates who offer words of encouragement, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their contributions to your running.

Community members - It never ceases to amaze me. I'll be out and about and will bump into someone who will mention something about my running, one of the articles I've written, or upcoming racing plans. Admittedly, oftentimes I am completely unaware they knew I was a runner or took an interest in the sport. Regardless of whether or not they are runners themselves, they still take the time to ask, support and encourage along the way. During the times when I'm out on a run and searching for some inspiration, I'll remind myself of the countless supporters - some of whom I don't even have the luxury of knowing very well - and will manage to find an extra spring in my stride knowing I have such a strong community of support. If you've run into similar situations - bumped into someone at the grocery store or maybe while chatting with someone after church and they mention they saw you out for a run - consider thanking them for taking an interest and offering their kind and encouraging words.

Coaches - If you've ever had the luxury of running for a great coach, or maybe you're currently being guided by a terrific master of our sport, you'll likely agree coaches often don't receive the thanks the deserve. I've had the luxury of having (in my opinion) some of the most talented running coaches throughout my career. These individuals have lifted me when I was down, pushed me to dream bigger and inspired me to keep going. I'm not sure I could ever thank them enough for the influence they've had on me throughout the years. If you are currently working with a great coach or have had a phenomenal coach throughout the years, be sure to tell them.

Local running stores - We are beyond blessed to have some of the greatest running stores in our community. Staffed with knowledgeable individuals who are committed to keeping all the best gear in stock, organizing group training runs and volunteering at local races, these people give tirelessly to the sport of running. Admittedly, I haven't thanked them enough, and invite you to join me in thanking our local running gurus the next time we're in their store.

Race directors/volunteers - If you've ever run a road race, you've hopefully picked up on the fact that these events require a small army of individuals to pull off. From the race director and committee who work tirelessly to consider countless details in preparation for and throughout race day, to the volunteers assisting with packet pickup, aid stations, course marshals, finish line coordination and more. These dedicated and selfless individuals work tirelessly to provide participants with a top-notch experience. Although it's impossible to thank each and every one of them, consider flashing a smile, giving a little wave or even mutter a thank you as you pass by them while out on the course.

Family - It is probably safe to say that our family, those closest to us, are likely the ones who deserve the biggest thank you of all. Only the runner can put in the miles, but it's oftentimes the rest of the family sacrificing to allow for a run to take place. Looking back over my years or running, I am quickly reminded of the weekend plans that had to be adjusted so I could squeeze in a run, vacation plans that were planned around a particular race I was running, kids' naps coordinated around running time, dinner menus selected based on training plans and weekend activities centered on the rest of the family joining me for part of my run. Undoubtedly they have sacrificed so much for my running, and I can't begin to thank each of them enough. If you had the opportunity to witness our Olympic silver medalist in the skeleton throughout the past Winter Olympics in Sochi, you had the opportunity to see Noelle Pikus-Pace climb into the stands to reach her family in celebration of her fantastic run. The words she shared with them when she finally got there - 'We did it” - tells me this woman truly gets it. Although it was her body enduring the training, it was her entire support team - and most importantly her family - who sacrificed, supported and ultimately got to celebrate this tremendous accomplishment together.

As many may be aware, the Boston Marathon will be run Monday. As you watch the tens of thousands of runners cross the finish line, consider each of their respective personal journeys and the army who helped them along the way. Likewise, if you're lucky enough to be running the Boston Marathon, a local 5K or maybe even just fortunate enough to slip out to squeeze in a couple of miles today, consider those who have helped make this a possibility. Don't take it for granted - reach out to those who helped make it happen and remember to say these two little words, 'thank you.”