I originally posted this a year ago, but it’s still relevant now – for everyone about to run London or any other marathon in the next few weeks! I never did find out the author, but apparently it is an extract from a book.
Enjoy!
WHEN YOU STAND ON THE START LINE
When you stand on the Start Line, you join the club.
When you stand at the Starting Line you earn your membership.
Millions dream of being where you are.
You are no longer a dreamer.
You are a doer.
Thousands more started a training programme but never finished.
They started with the same enthusiasm (or more than) you.
They started with more or less the same physical gifts or disadvantages as you did.
They had no more and no less reason to be successful than you.
But somewhere along the way, they lost that enthusiasm.
Somewhere on the road or on the track or treadmill, they decided that the rewards just weren’t worth the effort.
They decided that they could live without finding their limits, without challenging their expectations of themselves and without taking a hard look at their image of themselves.
You didn’t. If you’re standing at the Start Line, you’ve not only accepted the challenge, but you’ve also beaten back the demons.
You’ve conquered your imagination and self-imposed limitations.
You’ve gone further, got stronger and become tougher than you ever imagined.
Anon (searched but couldn’t find an author – it was taken from a post on Runnersworld.co.uk)
thats awesome
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Gets the old blood pumping!
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Reblogged this on Its's Macca's Opinion and commented:
A shame that the original author can’t be found but an excellent poem all about standing on the start line!
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Good Luck for this weekend Chips, you are gonna rock it. I will be watching x
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Thanks Jules. It’s been a long journey but finally got there…just one ‘little’ run to complete. x
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Thanks for posting – I can’t find roe log so will share if ok.
Good luck Sunday 🙂
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Reblog that was ! Shared on Facebook.
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Thank you, you too. Looks like the weather will be kind to us – not too hot, not too windy, not too wet!
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Yes looking lucky with weather. Last time I ran VLM it peaked at 26c way too hot for some.
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Oh the very best of luck to you at VLM. It will be great. You`ll dig deep and sail high. Looking forward to your post mara post!
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