Running Commentary

I am a recreational runner and often join running matches. I am by no means a pro, but the atmosphere just makes me energetic and give that little bit more.

One of the matches is an annual run over dykes, ten kilometres. Many people are on the side to support the runners. At one point, you can see the finish on the other side of the water, at the eight-kilometre point.

Last year, the event collided with another town event, so there were few supporters. I was running over an empty dyke, alongside three other runners. We did not speak, but sticking together helped us keep the pace.

Suddenly:

Voice: “Come on! You can do it! Go for it!”

The runners started looking around: no one.

Runner #1: “What was that?!”

Runner #2: “Where did that come from?!”

Me: “Oh, that’s my wife.”

Runner #1: “What? I didn’t see anyone.”

Me: “She’s at the finish.”

Runner #2: “What?!”

Me: “She’s a lifeguard at a busy pool. She has quite some volume.”

We focused back on the race, but it did give us all a little boost. When I reached the finish, my cheerleader was there for me: towel, drinks, whatever I needed. I told her I heard her, and she told me:

Wife: “Yeah, so… eh… turns out I frightened some kids and the organisation wondered if I had stolen the microphone. They asked for a heads up next time.”

My wife thinks she’s not contributing or helping at all, but she is the best cheerleader I could wish for!