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Gratitude / Life Goes On

A Final Push

By Jim Scott

I tend to use self-deprecating humor, often to bring levity to situations or create a sense of congeniality with a group. While these laughs often serve the desired purpose, I have to admit that I can go a bit overboard…come to think of it, taking things to the extreme seems to be a pattern with me! A term that seems to have come into the current day lexicon is Humblebrag. Now, I only bring up this form of modest bragging to preface the latest More Than a Speed Bump post as I guess you could say it is itself a little braggadocious!

Regardless, I share the following shot of inspiration not to boast, but out of gratitude.
As I’m sure anyone who has met me would agree, my short and stocky frame doesn’t resemble the long and lanky builds that might typically be thought of as running anything more than a 5k; or covering the distance from the couch to the fridge for that matter. This assumption would have been correct until I was signed up for a half marathon by my sister. While not exactly tall herself; Aimee had begun running long distance races sometime after college and when presented the opportunity to join her in a half-marathon in Gloucester about 10 years ago, I agreed to try. I’ve run (and I use that term loosely) a few half-marathons since and actually enjoy them…at least after I’m finished.

Just in case you’re afraid that I would pass right under the tape without breaking it at the finish line, fear not, as I’ve yet to break the 3 hour mark and am happy just finishing long after the leaders. In fact, I usually sign up as a walker for the 30 minute earlier start time so the finish line will still be up when I get there! The Seacoast Half Marathon (SHM) starts and ends at Portsmouth High School covering a beautiful course that runs along the coastlines of Portsmouth, Rye, and New Castle, NH. It’s a fun day typically falling near Halloween, often making the temperature near ideal. Between my walks with Cloon and living in downtown Portsmouth for almost 15 years now, it’s heartwarming to hear the many cheers from spectators that recognize me. Whether it’s my unusual gait or the frequency that local residents see me that makes me recognizable, I can’t exactly know, but I appreciate the encouragement! Although, and in a pattern that I’ve noticed, judging by the frequency I hear, “Hey, where’s Clooney?” from the roadside: It’s obvious that I’m the lesser known of our pair…

Regardless, the friendly shouts from onlookers are much appreciated. While I’m certainly not going at a near record breaking pace, I found myself feeling quite fatigued in this years’ race. The thought of shortening the course or coasting in crossed my mind, particularly knowing that the SHM’s course has an ending with a short hill crest entering the finish area. Despite the feeling , with the sub 3 hour goal in mind, I pushed on. Cresting the final hill I was hit with a boost that seemed to push me into a different gear: My parents, brother, sister-in-law, nieces Nora and Ruby were all at the courses final turn cheering me on!

I can’t possibly calculate the number of events that I’ve had family members present to cheer me on whether for athletic, educational, rehabilitation or other types of milestones as the support I’ve received has been so frequent. By no means do I intend to diminish how much I appreciate all the previous support, but this time was special. Ruby was comfortably nestled in her stroller with Norah holding a bright sign. Once I was able to see the sign, not to mention pulling my focus from her adorable smile, the words read: Go Uncle Jim , with a heart, Norah & Ruby! Even though I didn’t shatter the 3 hour mark (it was still a PR) or be named champion, “Uncle” was the title that means the most to me anyways.

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