Encouraging Others is a Wonderful Distraction

You may have noticed the Puppet Runner motto: Encouraging Others is a Wonderful Distraction. I know it can come across as a bit peculiar or even self-serving. I imagine people reading the motto and saying, “So, you only encourage people to distract yourself from the challenges of running? That’s crass.” Let me assure you, that’s not what the motto means. Allow me to give you a little history of the phrase. After I finished running my 8th race with a puppet (the Space Coast Half Marathon in Cocoa, FL), I returned to my family tired yet euphoric. I enjoyed the entire experience so much but no part more than my interactions with other runners. Having the puppet on my hand was a constant reminder to connect with the people around me and not get lost in the miles. I was amazed at how quickly the miles slipped away when I was concentrating more on other people than on myself. In trying to convey this feeling to my wife I said, “Encouraging others is a wonderful distraction!” She was immediately taken with the phrase and thought that it was an important discovery for me. It sounded like a motto to her for this new Puppet Runner idea we were exploring. So, the motto was born. The goal of Puppet Runner is the encouragement, but the distraction from all the monotony, pain, and challenge of distance running (for both me and my fellow runners) is an amazing side benefit. So, let’s all commit to encouraging those around us. Together we can push each other through the tough times. And, if the miles come a little easier for us at the same time, bonus!