If you read this blog regularly, you probably know that I (EmSauce) often write it. And if you take the time to read the long ones, you also know that I lean toward the meaningful, metaphorical, and heartfelt end of the blog spectrum. It’s how I am as a person–I work hard, I care hard, and I love hard. I’m not afraid of the interactions that include giant bear hugs and expressions of love and appreciation. I’ll admit right now that I tell a LOT of people they are “the best.” And I’m not worried that someone else I’ve said that to will hear it and think I was bull-shitting them. I’m 100 fucking percent authentic when I say that to you, because when you are the best you around, I mean it when I point that out.
So the blog today is not going to be long (sorry Bojan, I know you like when you have to scroll wayyyyy down) but I hope that my message is very clear.
NP is about movement. About finding, and holding on to the joy, fierceness, and badassery of moving our bodies despite the cold, dark, weather, and alone-ness. It is about finding the community, connection, and collective motivation to overcome all those excuses to move. And after looking around the Tribe this morning–those of you from Boston and from far away places–while we ran up and down the hills, while we raced for brand-new shiny green dot PRs, while we stood and cheered/hugged/social media-ed, while we barely ran in order to preserve our legs for Marathon Monday–I realized that I was moving, but I was so moved. I may be experiencing some pre-Marathon emotions, but I felt a powerful wave of love, then another one of gratitude, and another one of sheer excitement and FUCK YEAH. The point is that we go to NP to move, but if we’re lucky…wait, no…if we’re simply open to it, we might just be moved.
Moved by how supportive and positive people are. Moved by how inspired and motivated we feel to do shit that no one ever wants to do alone. Moved by how good it feels to run and move our bodies–to feel the athletes inside us. Moved by the simple ridiculous-awesomeness of crowd surfing. Moved by the strength we see in others and in ourselves. Moved by the emotions on someone else’s face when they PR…miss a PR…talk about Boston…talk about the Marathon and what it means to them…or whatever is going on in their lives. Moved by the humanity of this collective. We’re all striving for that forward progress, and it’s powerful when we pause to take it in.
We move. And we are moved.
Well, I am moved anyway. I’m deeply and profoundly moved by the power of this Tribe. I think we all are. Some of us may just pause more often to notice it. So on the weekend-eve of the greatest day in the city of Boston, I encourage us all to take a moment to look at the friends and fellow human beings around us and let ourselves be moved. Watch the runners go by on Monday and let ourselves be moved. Do whatever kind of movement that brings us the most joy and let ourselves be moved. It’s what this movement is all about. The heart of NP comes like a tidal wave of kindness. Don’t be afraid to step in and get soaked.
This Shit is Good.
MONDAY DESTINATION DECK: Duh, it’s Marathon Monday. Deck is in Cleveland Circle, across the street from Chestnut Hill Res. Tracker shows exact location
MARATHON MONDAY FUN: after the deck, head out to Mile 18 on the race course. NP is hosting the very best hydration station in the land and the NP Cheer Station is right there too. (this is about a mile east of the Firehouse on Comm. Ave)
#WeekendEarned
