What’s in a Medal?

New year, new you, right? New year, new MEDALS is more like it! I love medals. It’s my favorite kind of jewelry that I never wear. If I register and pay for a race, I will finish it. I must have that die-cast medallion in my collection. The race t-shirts are alright. I almost never wear them, unless I manage to get an awesome shirt (which does happen on occasion). Mostly, though, the medals are where it’s at. It’s my version of a personal diary; they tell my story.

My first true hills, where I made lifelong friends.

First marathon. First deployment.

First race with my husband. And got to run with a great friend!

​​All of the work that goes into training, preparing for, and actually running the race comes down to a small trophy on a ribbon. I wear them proudly through the finish line festivals, regardless of how heavy or awkward they are on my tired shoulders. I display them proudly in my home. Some are beautiful and spunky. Some have loads of flair and sparkle. Some are less than impressive. Some are downright ugly. But I love them all. I rank them right up there with my photo albums on things I would rescue from a fire. 

Why is there such a sentimental reaction to these pieces of metal? Because it is not something you can walk into a store and purchase. While not necessarily more expensive, the investment returns just as sweet of a reward. They are a reminder of hard work and determination. They represent memories to cherish. They represent people met, bonds forged, and communities created.
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Races bring people together for fun, but usually for a greater-good cause, as well. I don’t recall many races that weren’t bringing about awareness or raising funds for community needs. We get to be part of that by running the race and sharing our experience. Each medal earned represents a part of history. We each get to be part of something great, no matter how small our role. How many of us have raised funds for veteran organizations, medical research, and community charities? Some of us do not get to see the tangible effects of this fundraising. Some of us do. Either way, we earn the medal along with all the other amazing runners. I hope you look at your collection and feel like a super hero, because you truly are. 

Switched from full to half: unprepared and disappointed.

First ultra.

Fundraising for Semper Fi Fund.

The personal side to collecting medals is extraordinary. Each one may represent a completely new accomplishment or it may represent getting through a tough time. Perhaps the fellow runner ran their fastest 5k or longest race yet. Perhaps the fellow runner met their accomplishment with no spouse waiting at the finish line because of deployment. Perhaps the fellow runner managed all of their training while taking care of their child with exceptional needs. Perhaps a fellow runner managed training while balancing family and work. Perhaps all that training was a reprieve from mourning. Perhaps you had an awesome experience with no setbacks and steady training; the mileage itself was a feat. Regardless of what your behind-the-scenes situation looks like, I hope you, especially, look at your collection and feel like a super hero.
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Show me your bling! Post pictures of your favorite medal and tell me why it’s meaningful for you.
​Angel