Well, we're back from the last frontier and getting ready for our next adventure, the Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon. But before I move on with CDC, I must do a recap.
Every once in awhile I find myself surrounded by an amazing "group" of people. Meaning everyone in the group is simply amazing.
Sometimes it is a small group and other times, like on our cruise, it is a larger group. In either case, the group is fueled by the collection of amazing energy that comes from each person. I like to call it "karma." The best way to describe this journey, the Great Alaskan Maritime Marathon was a fun adventure with some of the greatest folks I'd ever want to meet. We had runners from Thailand, Australia, Canada and all over the nation. All of whom immediately bonded at the cocktail party on our very first evening together.
I think it was because everyone was willing to put their preconceived expectations aside and went with the flow. We set up the staged marathon so that in each port you run a race...and by the end of the trip you complete 26.2 miles (the fun way:). That, in and of itself is a challenge, but we added to the adventure by asking them to gently step outside their comfort zones for the week. To try something new and challenge themselves in a less traditional way. From learning to navigate, to running on a tough trail, everyone took on the challenge, embraced the path less traveled and grew from it in the end. BTW, I am a firm believer that you practice what you preach so I made myself wear pretty high heals (okay, high for me) and formal dresses most of the week (completely out of my comfort zone). It was tough, but I loved every minute. Except maybe when my feet began to talk to me.
Anyway, I am grateful that I get to do what I love for a living and others are willing to adventure on with me. It was a privilege to spend the week with such a great group of runners and walkers and we all now have a lot of wonderful memories to boot!
The Great Alaskan Marathon Cruise will set sail again in June, 2010. John and I hope you can make it!
Happy Trails,
Jenny
2 comments:
I get the Penguin newsletter, so I got the notice on the cruise long ago. Checked into going and decided not to....months passed and my hubby and I decided to splurge and cruise Alaska this year. Surprise- we were on the same cruise as your group! You kept me motivated to run during vacation - did 15 miles on the deck during the week. Was sooooo envious of the energy that your group projected. We sat close to your tables in the dining room and could sense the "team" energy everyone seemed to have. Talked to several members whenever I ran into them.....felt part of the group by osmosis! Have done several halves and 10K's and your staged marathon was right up my alley. I am a 11:30 - 12 minute 57 year young runner! Thank you!
Jenni E., Fort Wayne, Indiana
Hi Jenni-
Maybe next time! Were you the one I was high fiving on the deck?
Jenny
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