The "VRF" - virtual running friend. I have many. I look forward to their posts. I look forward to their workouts. I look forward to their words of encouragement. I look forward to their friendships!
It's hard to say where I'd be as a runner if it weren't for my virtual running friends. Honestly, so much of who I am as a runner comes from the encouragement and friendships from people that I've met online. While I work out, I think often about what my VRF's are doing. Even though they are not with me, they push me to go that extra mile. Take one more step. Go just 5 seconds faster. I look forward to their day and their progress. I look forward to encourage them as well!
This summer I will run my first marathon. It's just 4 1/2 short weeks away. I'm shaking thinking about it as I type this.
There really is no person who understands the emotions of a runner other than another fellow runner. We help to build each other up. We encourage each other daily. Even though we are miles and miles apart, live completely different lives, are completely different ages, we all have that one commonality: running. Running is a part of our lives. We breath it, we think it, we love it. We learn to love each other in our own little corner of the internet. Some of us get to meet each other in person. Others do not. It doesn't change our bond as VRF's.
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| Wendy sent this to me to encourage me to that finish line at my first marathon! |
I am a better mother. I am a better runner. I am a better wife. All because of running and my wonderful support I have on the internet. My VRF's are like none other! I am forever grateful for their friendships.
My VRF Wendy, who I so hope to meet in person one day, said to me last week, "it's about finish lines, not finish times. " She has been encouraging my marathon from the start. From it's infancy, to my injury, to my final long runs before the big day. It's takes an army to finish a marathon. She is but one ant in my crazy journey to that finish line and I so appreciate her. But, she may never know what her support has meant to me.
I hear so many negative comments about what the women post on their personal social media accounts. If they want to post selfies - so be it. If they want to post about their run - so be it. If they want to post about their new outfit - so be it. Their promotion - so be it. Their adorable kids - so be it. Let's lift each other up. Let's be each others encouragement and support. We need to build each other up instead of tearing each other down.
Love. Encourage. Befriend. Smile.
Thank you to all of my VRF's. You know who you are. I love you all. I am grateful for you. You lift me up. I thank you. Now.... let's go kick some asphalt!
It's been FOREVER since I've linked up with Deb for her Wednesday Word. Thanks Deb for the link-up!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! And not just because you gave me a shout out. My VRFs have gotten me way farther than any other friends. Because we all get it. I'm grateful to be along on your ride. There is no feeling better than crossing that finish line of your first marathon (ok, maybe a few things better...) and I can't wait to see you do it!
ReplyDeleteI love and agree with this wholeheartedly! I wish I started running earlier but I never knew just how supportive runners are for each other. Participating in my first marathon this fall is scary, but the support from people I've never met is off the charts! Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteI have that same bracelet, but in a different color. I wear it all the time. It is true. No one really understands it more than other runners.
ReplyDeleteWhen you tell your non runner friends you can't go out in the evening bc you have to get up and do your long run, and they just think you are crazy.
I love all my VRF's ;-) (Technically, I call them VRB's ---irtual Running Buddies LOL) I'm excited to see and hear how you do at Grandma's!!! That was such a beautiful course ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Without VRFs, I really don't think I would have started running, much less racing.
ReplyDeleteNo one gets a runner like another runner, it's so true!
I loved reading this! It's so great having the support through blogging and social media. I love the camaraderie. We are all there cheering each other on, offering advice, and commiserating together. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this so much! I agree, my VRF's are a huge support, and I've been lucky enough to meet a few in person and become good friends with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining us again and linking up! Hope to have you back again soon!