Magic and Butterflies

Almost invariably, a runner’s pace will be faster on race day than it was during their training.  They call this “race day magic.”  Maybe it’s the excitement of the day or the camaraderie of the other runners or maybe the competitiveness of it.  Whatever it is, it is kind of magical.  It makes a person realize they are capable of more than they gave themselves credit for. And for many of us, pushing our limits physically teaches us to push our limits in other aspects of our lives.  Just another one of the many reasons to love running.  However, we must remember not to get so focused on the end result that we miss out on the magic as it’s happening.  Okay, so maybe you already know this.  But do you know what that magic is exactly or how to recognize it?  It’s the excitement, the nervous butterflies, and it’s also all those little moments that speak to our hearts for one reason or another.

An incredible thing that happens during a really great run is that your body, mind, and soul connect on a very deep level. When you’re pushing your physical limits, your mind and heart can’t help but follow suit.  This unlocks the most real, raw, and insightful version of yourself.  It’s truly amazing.  Suddenly you pay attention to what grabs your attention.  And that’s when you can discern the magic.  Here’s what I mean; during the Great Race on Sunday I had a thousand thoughts run through my head but only a percentage of those that I really committed to memory.  I remember forgetting sun block. I remember the sun feeling like fire on my face but feeling like I was catching fire every time I sprinted down hill. I remember having to maneuver through the runners and giggling because it made me think of my nephew playing Mario Kart. I remember seeing the crowd cheering and waving signs for their loved ones.  That struck me the most.  Despite the heat and the pain from my heel spur, these sweet displays of support made me smile.  Those are magic moments.  And this doesn’t have to happen just on race day.  You know, magic happens to us every day but we often take it for granted.

For my job I occasionally get to work at PNC park which I absolutely love.  When a friend asked me how I liked working there, I couldn’t help but be completely honest.  “It might sound overly sentimental, but it still gives me butterflies.  I know it’s work and they’re just mowing the lawn down there at that time, but I can’t help it.” It’s a cocktail of excitement and nostalgia and it’s intoxicating.  Now the Pirates aren’t exactly known for their winning seasons and I’ve been frustrated by them many times, but I don’t let that taint the good memories of going to games with my family and friends.  I embrace those butterflies like a wide-eyed ten year old.  And why not?  There’s enough in this world that can make you jaded.  In any day there’s a thousand things we can think about, both bad and good.  It’s up to us where we let our thoughts linger.

On my way home on Sunday my mind wandered through the events of the race.  Did I start too slow? Could I shave another 2 minutes from my time? Ugh, I should’ve stayed for Smiley cookies!  At some point I drove past an enormous  field of dandelions and purple and yellow wildflowers. It was the kind of scene that can make your heart flutter a little. It grabbed my attention just briefly until my mind shifted back to the race.  But then I looked out my window at the field again and cleared my thoughts.  I took a breath and let my heart be at peace for a few seconds longer.  I wondered how often we let this happen.  We pass over these little moments instead of letting them sink in. I read somewhere that it’s important to live in the present moment. I guess I never fully understood what that meant until now.  The best thing we can do is to take notice of even the smallest things that make us happy.  Hold onto the good moments and let them add up.  Most importantly, be grateful for all of the moments big or small.  Because that’s the key to unleashing the magic.