United Way for Southeastern Michigan

I am ashamed to admit that, in all of my 16 years of living in southeastern Michigan, I never even knew that the Detroit Marathon existed prior to this year. In fact, when it was first proposed that United Way would become involved in this year's event, I assumed we were talking about the Turkey Trot. However, after experiencing my first Detroit Marathon this past weekend, I'm now asking myself, "How did I not know about this event?" What an awesome experience!

It's amazing what happens when I take off my Digital Diva cap and come out from behind the computer.

I have 500,000 different tales from my three days at the Saturn Health and Fitness expo and later at the actual marathon itself. However, in the interest of brevity, I'll contain this blog post to the concept of how Live United truly showed itself to me at the marathon.

After walking the 5k with my family and friends, I headed over to United Way's spirit station at mile marker 24. I have to admit that this wasn't in my original plans. After standing on my feet for over 16 hours at the Health Expo and walking 5k, the last thing I wanted to do was stand on my feet for another three hours and root on marathon runners. I just wanted to go home. But we had committed to being there and, as some of our volunteers were having difficulty getting downtown, someone had to fill their shoes.

As the first runners started to approach our spirit station, I started to get excited. As bad as my feet hurt, I knew that everything on those runners hurt worse and they deserved someone cheering them on. Heck, I can't ride in a car for 24 miles without getting tired. Running 24 miles is a feat that truly amazes me.

But what amazed me more was watching the runners interact with each other and the spectators that lined the street. Mobile cheerleaders on bikes followed the runners. "You can do this!" they called out to their friends.

Runners finished the race and then jogged back to root on those behind them. "You've got this race. It's yours!"

Spectators yelled out from the sidewalks to their loved ones. "I'm so proud of you!"

A pace runner pointed at a fellow runner and called out to anyone that could hear, "Everyone cheer for Cynthia! She's going to qualify [for the Boston Marathon] today!"

Pretty soon I found myself chiming in... "You are so awesome!" I yelled out. "You're almost there! You can do this!"

And, to my amazement, runners starting yelling back. "Thank you for being here!" they called. "Live United!" others exclaimed.

"Live United, indeed," I found myself thinking as I became overwhelmed with emotion throughout the day. (No surprise really, I cry at the drop of a heartfelt commercial. But, I digress...) The feeling of unity and the true spirit of camaraderie on display throughout my hours at the spirit station was nothing if not inspiring. It was Live United in action.

In the scheme of things what does it really matter to me if someone I've never met crosses a finish line? Does their success benefit me in any way? Does it put a dollar in my pocket? Does it help my family stay happy and healthy? Some would answer no, but I beg to differ.

If just one person pushed past mile marker 24 with a little more spring in their step because I was there to encourage them, I consider it a victory. Because, for every person that I help accomplish their goal - no matter how small or great my contribution to their success - their achievement is my achievement too.

This is what Live United is all about... the idea that reaching out a hand influences the condition of all. It's not just a slogan - it works. I know because I am living it. I encourage you to join me. It feels great.