Because they get it!

There are moments as a runner when you see the backside of your entire crew the entire race. It is those days, when push comes to shuff, that you will value that same crew even more. You keep going because you have to, because giving up is just not an option, because you can smell the finish line even when you're miles away. Yes you will probably hate yourself for being the slowest one in that crew, you will hate the feeling of all the effort that you've put into that race and not seeing the results but you keep going anyway because you are a runner. Because this time you get to eat the dust but you haven't forgotten the times you stood there watching your buddies finish and feeling their anger, disappointment and pain. You remember those times and you know with all that is you that they will be there.

A true crewmember knows what it feels like to just not have it in you that day. It is okay to cry, to kick dirt around, to just shout out horrible words and spit on the floor. Sometimes finishing a race just isn't enough. Sometimes a race is not about sharing your glory, sometimes a race is about feeling the support when you feel defeated.Sometimes all you need is that hand on your back while you puke your guts out because you gave it your all and it still wasn't enough, sometimes you need someone that just keeps handing you tissues and leaves you to it. Sometimes you just need the silence of true understanding.

So here's to my running buddies: because you get it. You know what it feels like to not meet the goals you've set out for yourself, you know what it feels like to not make it, you know not to say stupid crap about 'your own' level but just hand over a beer. Here's to you because you get back up and back out there, because there's no stopping you for reaching that goal even it takes you longer than most, because you root for your buddies when they show up for training after one of those races. Here's to you because you were there for my succeses and you have been there for me when I felt defeated. I thank you because you have been there for it all, because you get it. Because you are a runner!