Where's the Finish Line?

Posted Jun 17 2010, 05:10 PM by Cathy Erickson
Where I live, we're in the midst of Marathon week - thousands of runners and thousands more spectators are moving their way into to our little neck of the woods to watch people make it across a wide white line painted on the street after running 26.2 miles.
 
I've never been able to comprehend the idea of people "choosing" to run...I see it as two-fold, if I'm running, I'm either trying to get to something (maybe to the post office before it closes or maybe after the gal carrying the dessert tray), or I'm trying to get away from something (the rain when a down pour happens on the golf course or away from that spider crawling on the wall).

But I can't help but find admiration for idea of setting a goal and wanting to accomplish it.  I know several people running the half and full marathons this year and I read about some of their triumphs and some of their struggles...I've come the conclusion that knees, hips, feet, and ankles are not always crazy about pounding the pavement for miles at a time after hearing what some of my friends are feeling as they train (this is why I don't run- ha ha!).  But they, and thousands of others, still persevere even though most of them will get no more than a T-shirt and a glass of water.  I guess there's joy in every journey.
 
As I write this, the second half of the US Open field is on the course at Pebble Beach for their first round.  I knew the course was going to play tough, but I was not expecting -1 to be the low round after the morning groups were finishing.  It might not be running a marathon, but these guys are battling a tight golf course filled with penalties and just enough wind to make you think twice about every shot.
 
The pressure of wanting to win a Major Championship is only the tip of the iceberg for some of these guys - some are battling to get to the number one spot on the world - one guy is battling to keep it.  Some are trying to break out and make a name for themselves while others are hoping to rediscover some of the magic from years past.
 
I find myself drawn to the stories of the golfers who made it out of their local qualifiers, battled against PGA touring pros in the sectionals, and have finally made their way to the starting line that is the US Open.  They, too, have battled and persevered through the highs and lows of their golf game and their golf mind and can finally see that 36 holes stand between them and playing 2 more days at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
 
The task won't be easy and pressure doesn't get any higher, but I have a feeling if some of these journeymen and amateurs can find that zone where they ignore seeing all the strikes against them, some golf dreams are going to come true on Friday night.
 
You know I'm rooting for Erik Compton as he starts in his first Major.  A great finish here could open doors and make his golf dream (playing full time on Tour) a reality.  But to know Erik's story is to know that he is battling a few more obstacles than most guys out there.  But still he perseveres...and I am cheering him on!
 
As you spend this fantastic weekend watching the best players in the world compete for the US Open Championship, take a few minutes to find some guys that you may never had heard of before, or maybe a few that have an (a) after their name - they are the dreamers who just laced up their shoes for the run of their life.
 
And runners love nothing better than hearing the cheers of the folks along the side of the race course sending encouragement and believing in their dream.  Give a little fist pump to all of the guys who beat the odds and made it to the marathon at Pebble Beach - even if it's from you recliner.
 
Most of these guys won't make it past Friday, but the fact that they made to the first tee is reason enough to celebrate.
 
Enjoy the US Open and Good Luck to all of my hometown pals running the Marathon this weekend - I'm cheering for you!!  (See you at the end of the scenic highway!)

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Filed under: Erik Compton, US Open, Pebble Beach., Marathon