JOY in PAIN

Earlier this year our youngest daughter Ruth set a running goal of 50 kms by doing 15 laps around Mount Maunganui, Tauranga. Many of her friends loved the idea and volunteered to run with her or be a supporter, or both on the day. 
So, where’s the joy in putting your body and mind through such an event? How could a run be fun? Well, last Saturday Val and I (the parentals) joined her friends and their children in ‘The Ruth Classic’. As each lap was completed sweaty hugs, slippery handshakes and exaggerated air kisses were in abundance. There were so many laughs as joy was expressed in simply being together. Further joy was evident in runners setting then revising up their numbers of laps completed.
At one stage, Ruth was almost getting too far ahead of herself with the number of laps still needing to be completed. Jake, Ruth’s husband, gave her some great advice, “One lap at a time. Don’t think too far ahead.”
5 laps to go… 4, 3, 2, 1… one last corner, one set of stairs, one straight, the control tent and surf club now only metres away. So much yelling and clapping from supporters and strangers alike! How heartwarming it was to hear encouraging words from other runners when they were in pain too. Ruth and 5 of her friends ran 52.5 kms (15 laps) A further 4 ran the marathon distance of 42kms. The ‘agony and the ecstasy’ as we all cried joyful tears at the finish. Well done everyone!

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