These people…they make it all happen.
From late September of 2014, Paul Jones and I have been working hard on the 2015 #racelocal Grand Prix. Everyone knows who Paul is, he is arguably, the face of NES. Me? Not so much, mostly by design. I have always been a “behind the scenes” type, this is where my comfort level is. I’m not a stranger to the Biggest Team tent, and a lot of you know me and have met me, but I’m much more involved in areas a lot of you will never know. A “forced extrovert” is how I’ve always defined myself, I’m definitely on the quiet side.
But, boy…have I enjoyed watching this season. Every time someone posted pictures of their medals, every time I saw someone in a #racelocal shirt. Showing up at Killington and having someone race past me in a #racelocal “hoodie.” Reading the reviews of the races, seeing the pictures of the events I wasn’t able to attend, seeing the triumph at the ones I did. Paul and I had so many “behind the scenes” talks about how proud of this community we are, supporting this effort.
As the races signed on and committed, everyone “behind the scenes” became more and more excited. Amazing races like Pounder, Shale Hill, O2X. You know the names. I was stoked about all of them, and started checking ones off the list, what have I never done before? Snow race. Bone Frog. Shale Hill. My “to do” list went through the roof (and a lot of it still remains).
I remember the days leading to this year’s Blizzard Blast. I looked outside and, speaking to a friend on the phone, we both thought out loud “it might be a blast, but there won’t be much blizzard!” It was warm, and very non-snowy, right up until a few days until the event. Boy, did the weather change, just in time!
…and then it wasn’t! More snow than we knew what to do with. It was awesome, and a sign of an amazing season to come! We raced, slipped, slid and slipped our way through six miles of fresh snow (that wouldn’t stop falling all year). And, with that, #racelocal 2015 was off and running!
I’ve wanted to do a Bone Frog for a couple years, this was going to be the year I would not be denied. Setting out with my buddy Rob, I can’t think of a course that pushed and challenged us more. Another unexpected weather day, yes? So much for “60’s and raining,” by the time it was all said and done, we saw mid 80’s that day! #racelocal was certainly an adventure this season. I watched my wife crush Bold R Dash (I was sidelined with injury), same with FIT in April. I was this (-) close to finally getting to Shale Hill (which will not elude me in 2016), only to be derailed by child care issues. And, through all the races, I was able to do my “thing,” watch from the back ground and really enjoy all of your successes.
So, you may be asking yourself how I could have all these cool memories and still have this “strange FOMO.” Last year one of my best friends moved to North Carolina. We planned a time for me to fly down and see him, coinciding with Spartan’s Beast weekend. Bought my plane tickets, booked the hotel and the plan was set. The #racelocal Grand Prix was scheduled to end weeks before this event, there were no conflicts. I figured, great – I get to see a friend, and race. It sounds like a great weekend!
…And then Robb McCoy announced the fall FIT Challenge. Now I was going to be missing something. Now my weekend away wasn’t so clear and easy. Everyone “behind the scenes” would be at FIT, except me.
I had an amazing time with my buddy, we had a great weekend; however it is really hard knowing that everyone it gathering at an event, except you. An event you had a large hand putting together is going to be ending, there will be a lot of smiling faces, awards, laughs, memories…and I won’t be there.
It was a strange feeling, being at a fun event with a great friend and, yet, having this strange FOMO feeling at the same time. While I was running with, literally, thousands (and thousands) of people in South Carolina and doing the exact obstacles I’ve done hundreds of times, my mind was wondering what you folks were doing. I loved being with my friend, I wouldn’t trade that weekend for the world. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit I wasn’t jealous, and I didn’t miss you guys.
I guess that is what #racelocal does to you.
I was glad to have Paul to talk after both races, yours and mine. I loved seeing the pictures of the event, and the prize winners. But, really, aren’t we all “prize winners,” everyone who ran even one #racelocal event? I know that is how I feel.
And next season I am determined to not have the FOMO feeling again. I hope you avoid it as well. How do you avoid it? Pretty simple, something Paul and I have been working on since about October of this year..
#racelocal #strongertogether
is FOMO – fear of missing out?