FamousDC applauds all Marine Corps Marathon participants.
But one story really stuck with us.
Meet two-time Marine Corps Marathon finisher (and FamousDC fan) Fred Miller.
One Step at A Time
One step at a time: it’s a cliché often used to tackle complex projects and it’s also literally used to describe how we start walking and eventually running. Well, you’re in for a two for one today because we’ll use both as I share why and how I completed running the 35th Marine Corps Marathon.
First step, the why. I ran because I suffer from an illness. I’m battling acute-none-follow-through-disorder that’s sometimes compounded by lack-of-motivation fatigue. (Show pictures of yourself.) You may be familiar with this diagnosis. If you’re like me, you often start an endeavor with a full head of steam. Right? Well, unlike you, I for whatever reason either don’t complete the endeavor or I am not as motivated as I finish it. I feel like someone who is about finish an immaculate house but I don’t because hitting the last nail doesn’t have the same feeling as the first. This marathon was my way of tackling this issue head on.
You might ask: how is this different from your first marathon? Yes, this is my second go around but the first was more of a life goal in that I did it because it was a completely new and challenging experience for me. This one seemed like old news. Okay, so you know the why.
The most important step of this story is the how. It starts with a vivid, colorful and energizing vision of success. This is so important, I want to repeat it. Your vision of success should be vivid, colorful and energizing. My vision was just that to me. I wanted to enjoy the experience. I wanted to focus on my motivation. I wanted to remember why I was running. With that, I divided the run into five steps which coincided with the actual race course.
Step one was to enjoy the beginning. At the start of the Marine Corps Marathon, there are around 31,000 runners, many of whom have committed themselves over the past five months to training for this very day. I remember seeing people for what looked like miles. It was a sea of people. It was a sea of dedication.
Step two was to embrace the early morning energy of the Georgetown spectators. It’s always a jolt of energy to see tons of fans cheering for you at 9am in the morning. Sure, it’s a typical day for me but this one was special. The tradition of early morning coffee drinkers in robes sitting curb side or cheerleaders lining the streets handing out high fives like bread, it’s an energizing site to see.
Step three required me to take the time to marvel at the national monuments. This was along the National Mall where it is pretty humbling to see structures like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol that stand on pillars of freedom; that share opportunity with all who are willing; and symbolize how we can progress if we keep after our dream.
Step four was a chance to remember those who I was running for. This was particularly important because it was one of the hardest points in the race when you’re closing in on the finish line and yet it seems so far away. I chose to remember my mother the philanthropist. She’s a well-known humanitarian because she championed all causes Fred. I can vividly remember my mother encouraging me by saying, “that’s my baby!” Nothing made me more determined to finish that race than remembering her words.
The final step was the finish. My goal was to remember that I was running so I wouldn’t quit or finish with less enthusiasm than I started with. To remind you, I do suffer from an illness. I’m battling acute-none-follow-through-disorder that’s sometimes compounded by lack-of-motivation fatigue. I should also remind you that when you’ve run an estimated 50,000 foot falls and used nearly 3,000 calories, you don’t care about any of that. So for that last bit of the race, I had to reach deep, I had to finish strong. I had to overcome my challenge. And, I did. (Pass around your medal.)
You see I ran inspired! I had a goal for each step of the race and I met them all – one step at a time. They were not time based but more about focusing on my vision. It hurt like heck and it seemed like the hills were endless. But, I did not stop. I did not quit. I ran towards my vision of success. I simply did what I was capable of. I honored those who I ran for. I conquered fatigue. I’m very, very proud today.
That’s my challenge to you. Remember to run towards your vision. Remember that it should be vivid, colorful and energizing. And, remember to start one step at a time.
Dedicated to E.B.