Wednesday Weblog for October 21, 2021 |
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“How do you know if someone ran a marathon? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.” – Jimmy Fallon |
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It would be an understatement to say that I have been overwhelmed by the reaction to the recent Virtual Boston Marathon that I ran around the outside of Fenway Park.
What has overwhelmed me?
The Fame. I have heard from lots of people that I know, and lots of people I don't know. I've been in places where people I didn't think knew what I was up to, asked me about the event. People definitely look at me strangely, not quite believing the story. I guess I don't really look like a marathoner?
LinkedIn. Each week I post the Weblog on LinkedIn and generally get 'Views' in the hundreds of readers. This week, the reader counts were measured in thousands, in fact, there were more than 500 views within two hours of posting. Stunning to me.
The Messages: Speaking of stunning, I have been really stunned at the number of people who have expressed admiration for the effort and I am very, very humbled by the comments. I really appreciate all of the kind words more than you can imagine. Made the lonely miles worth it, so worth it. If you posted a message, thank you. I will respond when my fame subsides.
Next? What do I do next? I have had a real let down now that I can eat anything I want, don't have to get up in the dark to workout or run, and have more time for....living my life. I am not doing Mt. Everest or skydiving, so save it. But I don't have a goal yet. Thought about becoming an Olympic bodybuilder, but have not received any positive reinforcement on that...yet.
Maybe it's not 15 minutes of fame, but 15 days of fame instead?
Some are definitely getting tired of running stories, but I wanted to wrap up the Marathon season by saying some heartfelt thanks below.
26.2 miles is too far to go alone.
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Coincidence? I Don't Think So |
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Six hours and twelve minutes is like the time it takes for two NFL football games or one American League Baseball Playoff game.
It is a long time, and a lot can happen. Here are some thoughts from my little jog last week that didn't fit into the Damn Proud story.
The last word on this event will be when I get the medal. I can't wait to open the box.
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Thanks Joe, Paul, Susan & Glenn:
My son Joe and Brother Paul arrived with me at 5:00 am and managed my rest area and clapped and cheered me on for all 47 laps: all six hours and 12 minutes.
- Sue, my sister, and Glenn, my obstetrician joined the team and managed to keep me going as well.
- During a time of great stress or when attempting to reach new heights, having those closest to you offer time to support your efforts can really make a difference.
- I couldn't have done this without you.
- Is there anyone in your family daring greatly that could use your support?
- Offering your time may be the best way to support them, as long as you are not a prison warden.
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Thanks Kerry, Carrie, Sydnie and Ellen:
- We are used to praising mentors, but mentees, or those being mentored, also have power. I had three of them participate in the event last week, each in a different way.
- Kerry, Carrie, Sydnie and Ellen: each of you have alleged that I mentored you, and having you participate in the event by either running laps, or making signs, or being there to cheer at the end, when you really didn't have to, made the day very special.
- Is there someone who has mentored you?
- Showing your appreciation for the time they invested would be a great way to support them, as long as you are not a comedian.
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Thanks Rick Stahl: Bib #5360
His name was Rick and he was staying at a hotel close by, getting ready to run the Boston Marathon the next day
- He saw the story about the Virtual Boston Marathon and realized he was close by, so he put on his running shoes and dropped a ten dollar bill at our rest area and volunteered to run a lap with me.
- Rick, we'll never meet again and you will probably never read this, but thanks for making me feel like a celebrity. (I told him next year it would be a thousand a lap--no plans for next year).
- Is there someone you know who you could uplift with your volunteer time and indicate to them that their cause is worthwhile?
- Is there someone you could support with a small shot of enthusiasm?
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Thanks Kirsten & Steve & Jackie
It was exciting to have NBC make me famous. by 10 am there were people around the park who had seen the story on TV and were clapping for me.
- Kirsten Glavin, you couldn't have been nicer or more encouraging. You were an early morning inspiration.
- Steve Shannon, you are the best cameraman in the world. Thanks for cheering me on, although you took too many shots of my backside. Oh, well.
- Jackie Bruno, (a long time reader of this blog, and the news anchor that morning on NBC): thank you for the shout outs on TV during the morning and the post below.
- During a time of great anxiety, having vocal and visible support can really make a difference.
- Do you know anyone in a high anxiety situation?
- Encouragement may be the best way to support them if you are not a licensed counselor.
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Thanks Sandy, Jeff, & Lauren
The post of 47 Laps @ 70 Years Old on LinkedIn was not only viewed by thousands, but hundreds reacted and dozens took the time to share a message with the world about their thoughts.
- Sandy, Jeff and Lauren: thanks for reposting and generating hundreds of additional views through your networks. I greatly appreciate your kind words and your contribution to my 15 days of fame.
- From past volunteers to clients to fraternity brothers to those I saw last week to those I haven't seen in a decade, each thought made me smile and remember.
- Each comment was written to me and shared with the world.
- Do you know anyone who has been striving that might relish your thoughtful words on social media?
- "Praise in public, criticize in private' is part of every Management 101 course and since social media is the new 'public, your support in that sphere could make a difference.
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Thanks Myles
His name is Myles and he manages Loretta's Last Call and treats my son like my son was the owner, seating him close to the stage whenever there is a band. Loretta's is our 'Cheers' thanks to Myles.
- He quickly agreed to be the host location for the 47 Laps event, and was so concerned when the playoff game appeared to threaten the event, that he reached out and offered suggestions. He was there at the finish line cheering us on.
- Myles, the only thing I can say is thanks for not thinking I was crazy. I could tell by the look in your eyes that you knew I could do it, and we'll see you when Annie Brobst or Martin and Kelly play again.
- Do you know someone you do business with that is more than a business acquaintance? Someone who goes over and above and treats you better than maybe you deserve?
- Maybe you can bring them a box of Nilla Wafers or a Coffee or a T-Shirt to communicate your appreciation.
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Thanks Casey & Lauren
Her name is Casey and is a friend of a friend and she was the largest supporter of my fundraising efforts.
- She supported me by funding laps our friend would run with me, but her friend couldn't run with me because she was out of town.
- So our friend, Lauren, ran in the mountains of New Hampshire and submitted proof of the effort, and ran more than expected, so Casey re-donated to the cause.
- Casey and Lauren, thank you for believing in me and sharing your gifts,
- We all have gifts. Sometimes that is a gift of time, in other cases, it is a gift of treasure, and in still other cases, it could be talent.
- Do you have a gift you can share that will make a difference to someone?
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Thanks Betty
She is my wife and put up with the nonsense of me training and the worry it caused for the past two years.
- Thank you for supporting me on the path from crazy to brave.
- I always remembered that staying safe to take care of you and Joe was my highest priority and was always honest about how I felt and how I was doing.
- You were the wind beneath my wings.
- I promise this is the last running story of the year. Promise.
- The theme of my run was 47 Laps, and what I didn't tell you, or anyone , is that number was also one lap for each year of our marriage. (Our 47th Anniversary was in July.) 47 @ 47.
Coincidence? I don't think so..
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Surprise Photo at the End: My Jacket Came! |
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Joe's Positive Post of the Week |
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Ed Doherty
774-479-8831
www.ambroselanden.com
ed-doherty@outlook.com
Forgive any typos please.
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