we are stronger than we know…

In 2023, I ran my first-ever marathon in beautiful Budapest! During the training, I had been jokingly calling it a 'marafun' to keep my spirits high. Well...I learned the hard way, of course. 😂

Anyway, this post is more about my learnings about how privileged we are to be part of caring communities.

Here they are:

At a point of struggle, at around 36 km, a fellow runner could see 'my heart on my torn face' and shared words of care and kindness in Hungarian. I nodded and responded with 'ok' and struggled on. Unfortunately, I am not conversant in Hungarian so I interpreted his words as "You're stronger than you know!" It worked! He smiled, which made me smile, and I kept on keeping on 🏃.

Acts of kindness along the banks of the delightful Danube were plentiful and inspiring - picking each other up, holding hands, laughing together, raising funds, promoting worthy causes, pep-talks, and simply smiling - my kind of a good time, indeed! (aside from the obvious 😆)

These simple acts of kindness to each other can make the world a happier place for everyone. They can boost feelings of confidence, direction, happiness, and optimism. They may also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they've experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community.

So while I am reflecting on Sunday's run, my biggest takeaway is how we, as a community of runners, walkers, wheelers, supporters, musicians, and volunteers, cared for and treated each other.

How lucky are we?

Now, to take my learnings on the road to face other challenges too. 🚀

Since 2023, I have now run two more marathons and have definitely taken my learnings literally on the road.