All my life, I've struggled to wake up early. All my life. But this Sunday was different. Something inside me was excited: my friend was running 10 miles, the Cherry Blossom Marathon in Washington, DC (so many people are drawn to this event that they currently hold a lottery to select a certain number of people to register), and even though I wouldn't be running with her, I had a special mission: to be there to cheer her on, hold her sign, smile from the bottom of my heart, and remind her she wasn't alone.
I got up before sunrise, a feat almost as big as running 21 kilometers. I got ready, ate breakfast, and headed for the subway. I was afraid of delays or traffic due to closed streets, but I arrived on time at the spot we had agreed upon. I was excited thinking about the exact moment she would pass by that mile and see me, sign in hand.
And That's how it was. But what I didn't expect was that she wasn't the only one smiling… many other runners did, too. Although made with her in mind, the poster encouraged dozens of strangers. It was a very special moment: seeing how tiredness turned into joy with a phrase, a smile, or a supportive look. The energy in the place was contagious. Families, friends, partners—we were all there to support someone else's efforts. No one ran alone that day.
Back home, happy, I reflected on what I had experienced. I realized something powerful: my current friends are enjoying the best version of me because many people from my past helped me build it. I thought about all those who once reached out to me, stood by me through my storms, and believed in me. And I understood that when I make a gesture like today's, when I encourage someone when I prepare a poster, when I am present… I am returning a little bit of that love.
I didn't run the marathon. But my heart did run. And he crossed the finish line with gratitude.
