It's a a marathon of hugs

When you train to walk marathons and other races, you get a huge side-helping of life skills other than walking. Learning how to hug is chief among them. Last weekend while I waited at the finish line of the Myrtle Beach marathon, I witnessed literally thousands of hugs. Now, I admit it was Valentine’s Day so it made sense that my attention was drawn to expressions of affection. Still, when I gave it some thought I realized that no racer needs Valentine’s as an excuse for a hug. Comrades in training and racing hug all the time.

The race course is a fantastic leveller. That sweaty guy beside you with the crumpled bib pinned haphazardly to his shirt could be the prime minister or it could be Lance Armstrong (well, you might recognize Lance). If you’ve been struggling beside that person for a difficult portion of the course, it’s very possible you will hug each other after you cross the finish line (and if it is the prime minister, he looks like he could use a hug).

I’ve raced the Big Sur Marathon for the last 5 years and every year in the last few miles I pass by a big guy dressed in a green garbage bag who advertises free hugs. Something about that green garbage bag made me walk past. Last year when I was getting closer to the hugging venue, I thought “What am I thinking passing up on a free hug? Who cares if he is wearing a big green garbage bag, I am going to get a push to the finish line from that hug.” I looked forward to that hug through the last gruelling hills of the Carmel Highlands. It’s a memory that still inspires me. Later I realized the “hugger” was on to something wearing the garbage bag. Offering free hugs to more than 6,000 sweaty participants is probably more deserving of a hazmat suit.

This weekend is the Chilly Half Marathon in Burlington. If you are not walking the course this weekend, why not come out with a `free hug`sign to cheer and hug everyone on. Chances are you`ll feel as good about your participation as the people who cross the finish line.

I`ll look for you out there!

Lee

p.s. be sure to post any of your favourite hug stories here.