The Power of Community

As you may recall, last October, Brian, Joel, and I waited for the last official finisher of the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon to cross the finish line. We were waiting to award the “lucky recipient” with a year’s supply of yogurt, a personal trainer, and an entry to the 2009 Chicago Marathon to improve their time! After over eight hours, Barbara Nance crossed the finish line as the last official finisher and Better Whey of Life lucky award recipient. What we didn’t realize at the time, was how lucky WE were to have Barbara as our award winner! Thanks to Barbara, last weekend, we were blessed with the opportunity to be a part of her wonderful running community.

 

Last weekend, Brian and I passed out samples of Better Whey of Life Yogurt to Barbara’s running community – The Elijah Running Club – after their 9 mile run. What an inspiring group of people; we felt so lucky to be a part of it. Over seventy runners met at the crack of dawn to start their run. After an inspiring talk by their leader, Darnell Williams, they completed about nine miles. When finishing, they couldn’t have been more supportive of one another, and of us as a new company. The affection by which they spoke of Barbara and the kindness and support they expressed to one another reminded me of the power of and need for community.

 

Each and every one of us is running our own personal marathon. Thanks to Barbara and the Elijah Running Club for reminding us that running our own marathon is that much easier, less painful, and more fun with the support and love of the community around us. I dedicate this blog post to Barbara, the Elijah Running Club, and the friends, colleagues, and family who have provided me with endless love and support during this marathon called Better Whey of Life!

To see more photos, check out:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/12480678@N07/sets/72157619414115888/