In an earlier post, I mentioned the Marathon Ambassador qualities that I now possess. Well, since I crossed the finish line I am now apparently a Marathon Ambassador, and as such I have duties and responsibilities to live up to, qualities and traits that I must display and things I must and mustn't do. This comprehensive list was on the back of our program at the Loper Banquet, and I felt it necessary to share.
Marathon Ambassador is an honorary title bestowed upon us the moment we take our first step over the finish line at our first marathon and receive that very first marathon medal around our neck.
All Marathon Ambassadors do everything they can to help the first-time marathoner become a fellow Marathon Ambassador. Marathon Ambassadors always lead by example.
Remember, the marathon is a distance - not a time. We always help our fellow marathoners go the 26.2 mile distance, whatever the finish time may be. Marathon Ambassadors always survive to run another day.
All Marathon Ambassadors know every completed marathon is a good marathon... even the ones that didn't quite turn out the way we planned.
Talk about marathoning to non-marathoners, as long as they show an interest. Remember, most people can't comprehend what we do and why we do it. Marathon Ambassadors are always considerate.
Heat, hills, high altitude, etc., are factors that make a marathon more difficult and slower. They are not excuses. Marathon Ambassadors never make excuses.
One foot in front of the other. All Marathon Ambassadors know that a slow marathon is better than no marathon. DFL (Dead Friggin' Last) is always better than DNF (Did Not Finish) which is still better than DNS (Did Not Start). Marathon Ambassadors know that showing up is 90 percent of the marathon.
No one likes a whiner, not even whiners. Marathon Ambassadors never whine.
All Marathon Ambassadors are created equal - some are just faster. The faster a Marathon Ambassador is, the less he or she talks about the finish time. Marathon Ambassadors are always humble.
Marathon Ambassadors make a commitment, at least once, to pace a new marathoner to their first finish.
Bring nothing less than your best, for the conditions and your training, to the marathon every time. Always set a good example. When you become a Marathon Ambassador, it's a lifetime membership.
All that is said on the road stays on the road. Marathon Ambassadors are always loyal confidants.
Share your experiences, during the marathon, when appropriate. Shut up and listen when necessary.
Show appreciation to all race personnel and volunteers. Marathon Ambassadors are always gracious.
Adapt, improvise, overcome. A Marathon Ambassador will always do whatever it takes to help others get the marathon done.
Does not matter if you run, walk or crawl. Marathon Ambassadors know that every 26.2-mile finish is a medal-worthy event.
One day, a Marathon Ambassador will no longer be able to do a marathon - but today will not be that day!
Remember your first marathon finish? Marathon Ambassadors do all they can to help as many people as possible experience that same pride, sense of accomplishment and pure joy.
8 comments:
Hmmm....I wonder what I can replace the "marathon" with in "Marathon Ambassador," if I would like to encourage my son to reach for those same goals in life.
I'll be waiting to see what opportunities you find to live out your new role. Should be interesting.
Excellent post today, Luis! It makes me want to become a marathon ambassador too!
that made me all warm and fuzzy :o)
Love this. Such an honor isn't it?
This is a starred item in my Google reader.
These are great rules, even for non-marathoners. I think you are a shining example of these traits, so you're definitely deserving of the title Marathon Ambassador.
Loved the whole concept and acrynom for the program! Congrats LB!
Thanks fir posting this. You've inspired me to become a marathon ambassador. I will cross the finish line with a first timer this year. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own goals, and forget to give back. I help with the training but then leave them when it comes race time.
Thanks.
I love this list.
Except the whining part, I reserve my right to whine :)
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