It was sometime during the summer of 2006 when I was just beginning my endurance sport journey and was training for the 1/2-Iron distance Square Lake Triathlon when I became aware of the running group at work. It was neat how I was quickly taken under their wing and was provided with continual encouragement and advice (when requested).

I remember Gordy stopping by a couple of times a week asking how it was going and how I was feeling. I remember being excited to share my little achievements, like, ‘I ran for 20-minutes today without stopping’, or ‘I ran a 5k @ a 10 min pace’, or whatever.

I also remember sharing my aches and pains and being encouraged by the, ‘oh that’, you should try this…’ response.

When I decided to run my first marathon, Grandma’s 2007, it was back when you still had to fill out the paper form and send it in to register. I remember the group making sure I had the right info and was reminded to make sure to have it mailed right away. I remember the anxious discussions and wondering if I’d get in or not and how nervous I was once I did.

I remember the guidance I received on training plans, and once I settled on one, the pointers on what worked for them and what didn’t. I was in awe of the knowledge they seemed to posses and the experience they had under their belt.

I remember being encouraged to make accommodations early and was happy that the group included me in their plans. The snow was still on the ground and running outside was just a distant dream when the reservations were made to stay at Spirit Mountain Campground, but I was excited nonetheless.

As race day approached and the last few long runs were being planned, I was grateful that the group worked together to plan the final 20-mile run about three weeks out from race morning. We ran the Cannon Valley trail that year from Cannon Falls to Red Wing, which happens to be almost exactly 20-miles. I remember that day and how nervous I was and remember the encouragement I received throughout the day and the reassurance that ‘yes, you can do this’.

When race day finally did arrive, I remember how they knew exactly when and where we needed to meet to get on the bus, and where the best place to meet afterward would be and where the family should hang out to get the best opportunities to see the runners.

When the race was over and we were all completely spent, I was amazed by how they were genuinely excited about what I had achieved, and the interest they had for how the day went for me.

Over the past few years the group has changed and evolved, with new members being added and some being sidelined due to injury. New members are still encouraged and mentored and the wiry veterans are still providing encouragement and guidance. Even for some who have been sidelined due to longer term injury, they are always there to provide positive, reinforcing words, and a genuine interest in the activities of the group.

It is truly amazing to me in sports that are about individual competition and individual achievement how much TEAM spirit there is. You will not find another group of individuals so willing to share their experiences, their knowledge, a spare Co2 cartridge, or a hand in changing a flat. I’ve been blessed over the past few years and have had a variety of mentors in the sport and if I’ve learned anything from my mentors, I’ve learned that sharing your experiences with others, and encouraging others to obtain their goals is an integral part of the journey. I want to take this moment and thank those who have mentored me, it has been instrumental in what I have been able to personally achieve. Thank You!