Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Track Meet Reflections

I didn't know that some thoughts from a Jr. High track meet would rock my world. Leave it to my friend, Shawn Young. I read this on his blog recently. It hit me so hard that I'm posting it here. Yeah, I'm doing it without his permission. Sue me, Shawn. :o)

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There seem to be two types of track parents: Those who stand along the track and yell, and those who wait at the finish line and hug. And this is a Middle School track meet- keep that in mind.

During longer races, you'll always hear parents and coaches shouting at kids from the sidelines. Occasionally, they are shouts of support ("you're doing great, keep it up"), but most of what you hear is more militant in nature. I can understand wanting to help kick start a surge of adrenaline, but I don't see how it's effective in the long run to constantly remind them that they aren't measuring up.

I think the runners want to know that someone is waiting at the end to give them affirmation that they ran a good race. That positive reinforcement gives them even more to race for. That confidence makes them want to do their absolute best.

I think we all have a capacity to be that support for someone. Whether it's a sporting event, or just a difficult season. When we have someone supporting us at the end, we are stronger for the next time. And ultimately, the race is bigger than we can imagine- and the finish line is more spectacular. And the person waiting at that finish line definitely loves you.