greater expectations

Before you read this email, grab a glass of water. Do not get out of your seat until you finish that glass. 

Hi,

I just want to send a quick good luck for tomorrows marathon. You are already a winner to everyone who knows you. You will succeed whether or not you achieve your goal time. The months or years of hard work will accumulate tomorrow morning. 

As Alec Baldwin said in his video, running the New York City marathon is an event unlike any other. You have been training for such a long time. You have been known in your building, or to your friends as “that runner.” No one really paid attention to you as you ran by. “Who would run in this heat?” “A hurricane is approaching, why are you about to go for a run?” “Are you going to run in this snowstorm?” “You can’t go get drinks with us tonight because you have a 20 miler tomorrow?” “Are we still friends?” These are all things that you may have heard in the last 6-months training. Tomorrow though, all eyes will be on you. Finally those people will look up and be inspired by you. They will see what heart, and dedication are all about. 

Most people do not know what pain is. Most people will push themselves until they can no longer take anymore. You on the other hand, have passed that point in. You went to your limites and you went one or two step passed that. You are living proof that the mind will achieve more than the body is capable of. 

Remember that you are running in the biggest marathon in the world. If this is your first time, forget about the clocks. Do not wear headphones. When you are on the Staten Island and you hear the cannon sound and Frank Sinatra starts singing “New York, New York” you will have a shiver go through your spine and onto your arms. Remember what those feel like. Take in the butterflies you have. Take your time on the bridge heading into Brooklyn. High-five the first few people in Bay Ridge, especially the little ones. They will make you smile. When you get to 4th Ave and 43rd Street head to the right side of the street and look for me, I’ll try to snap a photo of you. When you are finished and you have received your medal, you will stand a bit taller. Enjoy what you just went through. Wear your medal to the bar at night. people will congratulate you. 

Remember, tomorrow you represent New York City. 

Your family is proud of you.
Your friends are proud of you.
I am proud of you. 
Your city is proud of you. 

Remember, at the end of pain is success.