the art of showing up

In this episode, the narrator, along with friends Shervin, Colt, and Tay, embark on a journey to London for the 2024 London Marathon. Initially planning to support Shervin, the narrator finds themselves documenting the event as Colt and Tay also join the race. Amidst travel delays, logistical challenges, and bustling city crowds, the group navigates their way to key marathon viewpoints, capturing the runners' progress. Despite the chaos, they manage to cheer on their friends at multiple points, reflecting on the camaraderie and the profound human spirit driving such endeavors.

• Many people in their 20s and 30s are increasingly taking up marathon running.
• This trend is noted among the speaker’s friends, who have also joined the marathon running wave.

"One surprising thing about my 20s is the amount of people who start running marathons."

• Highlights the unexpected trend of marathon running among young adults.

• Shervin proposed a group trip to London to support him in the 2024 London Marathon.
• The trip evolved as more friends got the opportunity to run the marathon, turning into a larger group endeavor.

"Sherin proposed we all take a group trip somewhere. We decided we were going to go and support Shervin at the 2024 London Marathon."

• Initial plan to support one friend in the marathon, which expanded as more friends joined the race.

• The speaker’s flight to London was delayed, causing some travel stress.
• Arrival in London was marked by excitement and minor inconveniences, such as forgetting a makeup bag.

"Well, I'm at the airport. I'm going to meet the guys in London technically tomorrow morning. London here we come."

• Anticipation and excitement for the trip despite the delayed flight.

"Update we are at the hotel. I forgot my entire makeup bag. Love that for me."

• Minor travel mishap highlighting the challenges of traveling.

• The group met up at different places and went to the Expo to get their race bibs.
• The reality of the race’s scale began to sink in for the participants.

"Everyone was staying at different places so we finally met up and it started to sink in how big this race was actually going to be."

• Realization of the marathon's magnitude and the logistical challenges involved.

• The speaker recruited a friend, Taha, to help film the marathon.
• They had to plan their filming strategy and navigate the race route to capture content for their friends who are content creators.

"Since I didn't want to be all by myself, I recruited my good friend Taha to help me film."

• Importance of teamwork and planning in documenting the event.

"We need to find our route so while the others sorted their stuff about we decided to do some homework on how we were going to navigate and be filmers during this 26.2 mile race around the entire city."

• Strategic planning to ensure effective coverage of the marathon.

"They're all content creators so we are also like in charge of getting shots for their videos."

• Responsibility to capture high-quality content for the participants who are content creators.

• After consulting with a volunteer, they realized the extent of planning required for filming the marathon effectively.

"After talking to one of the volunteers we got some very valuable information for the day of but we also realized this was going to require a bit more planning than we thought."

• Acknowledgment of the complexity and detailed planning needed to successfully film and navigate the marathon event.

• The speaker expresses nervousness about an upcoming event, indicating significant personal stakes.
• Despite the nervous energy, the first day was successful, filled with anticipation and excitement.

"I don't know how I'm going to run this thing. I'm actually so nervous."

• The speaker is anxious about the event, highlighting the emotional intensity surrounding it.

"Everyone had their own events to go to for the first night, so we ended off our day on a boat ride for a bit of sightseeing around London."

• The first day included individual events and a collective sightseeing activity, which added to the excitement.

• The day began with a walk to Oxford Street and some shopping.
• Colt went on a ShakeOut run, while the speaker focused on shopping and planning.
• The main task was to figure out the best route for filming and supporting the participants.

"This morning I took a walk to Oxford Street. I just went to the newest boots and picked up some stuff."

• The speaker started the day with a casual activity, shopping for essentials.

"Colt went on a ShakeOut run this morning while I went to go shopping."

• Colt prepared for the event with a run, indicating different preparation methods.

"The plan today is me and Taha have to figure out a route for tomorrow so we can try to get the best vantage points to catch the guys and film them."

• The main focus was on planning the best spots for filming and supporting the participants.

• The group secured a map and poster supplies, exploring the area to plan their strategy.
• They faced challenges due to limited local knowledge and potential crowd issues.
• The planning session was stressful, leading to a decision to reconvene later.

"After securing a map and some poster supplies, we explored around a bit and headed off to meet up with the rest of the group."

• The group gathered materials and explored the area to strategize.

"I don't know, I just moved to London, so I don't have any local knowledge. I'm the worst guide of all time."

• The speaker's lack of local knowledge added to the planning difficulties.

"We knew we were only going to be able to catch them a limited amount of times, but we also had to consider there would be thousands of people on the streets trying to watch too."

• The group had to strategize around limited viewing opportunities and large crowds.

• The group decided to make signs for the race, transforming the hotel lobby into a creative space.
• The activity was supported by hotel staff and even involved strangers, creating a sense of community and readiness.

"Now I always knew at some point I wanted to make signs for the race. What I didn't expect was for us to turn the lobby of a five-star hotel into a little arts and crafts center."

• The speaker had planned to make signs but was surprised by the supportive and communal atmosphere.

"The staff were supportive, strangers were joining in, and we were looking ready for tomorrow."

• The activity fostered a sense of community and preparation among the participants.

• The speaker finished packing gear and prepared to head out.
• The runners, including Colt, left for the event location, indicating the final stage of preparation.

"Just packing my gear and then I got to head out."

• The speaker is in the final stages of preparation, indicating the event is imminent.

"Colt and the rest of the runners that are staying at the same hotel just left on a shuttle to Bri."

• The runners are on their way to the event, marking the transition from preparation to participation.

• The crew planned their meeting spot and time after dinner.
• The primary objective was to find a spot to catch the runners and get a clear shot of them.
• The goal was to see the runners at least once, ideally twice, and three times if lucky.

"The main objective is to try to find a spot to catch them and to get a really clear shot of them running."

• Emphasizes the importance of visibility for both the crew and the runners.

• The crew reached their first viewpoint at mile 5.
• The atmosphere was energetic with music and applause.

"We made it to our first Viewpoint mile five we got the crew here let's go go."

• Highlights the excitement and the successful arrival at the first planned spot.

• Phone signals may work, but messages might not send due to the volume of people.
• It's crucial to tell runners exactly where you'll be and what's around you.
• The crew relied on tracking the runners' locations and hoped they would notice them.

"Your phone will have signal but half your messages might not send still try to tell your Runners exactly where you'll be left or right what's around you."

• Stresses the difficulty of communication in crowded events and the importance of precise instructions.

• After the first stop, the crew aimed to catch the runners at another spot.
• There were challenges with crowded trains and the runners' speed.

"We did our first stop now we're going to try to catch them at one more next stop guys."

• Indicates the crew's determination to see the runners again despite logistical challenges.

• Trains and tubes were crowded, making it hard to keep up with the runners.
• The crew had to change their original crowded spot and go one stop further.
• Local knowledge was crucial for navigating the crowded city.

"The tubin trains may have lineups and there's a chance your Runners will be faster than you are."

• Explains the difficulty of using public transport to follow the marathon.

"Luckily we had two locals navigating with us honestly it would have been a struggle without them."

• Highlights the importance of local knowledge in navigating crowded areas.

• The crew reached mile 17, another clear spot to see the runners.
• They missed one runner but managed to catch another.

"What mile is this uh 1 17 Mile 17."

• Marks the arrival at the second planned viewing spot.

"Sherin already blew past us but we still had a chance to catch a Colt in we see him we got him we got him we got him let's go."

• Shows the partial success in spotting the runners, missing one but catching another.

• Planning and precise communication are crucial for following runners in a marathon.
• Crowded public transport and large volumes of people can complicate logistics.
• Local knowledge can significantly aid in navigating and finding clear spots.
• Persistence and flexibility are key to successfully seeing runners multiple times.

• The marathon experience involves strategic planning and navigating crowded spots.
• Observers need to be smart about their viewing spots to maximize the chances of seeing runners multiple times.
• The journey of following runners through the marathon is filled with logistical challenges, including catching multiple trains and navigating through dense crowds.

"The third thing you need to know about watching a marathon is that some spots are more crowded than others."

• Some areas along the marathon route are significantly more crowded, making it harder to get a good view of the runners.

"Closer to the start you got more of a chance to see them closer to the finish line."

• The closer to the start and finish lines, the higher the chances of spotting the runners due to less crowd congestion.

• The marathon is not just a physical challenge but also an emotional journey for both runners and supporters.
• The support and energy from spectators play a crucial role in motivating the runners.

"Every time I saw you I got like energy."

• The sight of supporters along the route provides a significant boost of energy and motivation to the runners.

"Marathons are electric, literally electric."

• The atmosphere of a marathon is charged with energy and excitement, creating an electric environment for everyone involved.

• Being present and showing up is a significant part of the marathon experience, both for runners and supporters.
• The act of participating and supporting in such events highlights the importance of community and shared experiences.

"They say that most of life is just showing up and what we do every day says just as much as the big moments do."

• Everyday actions and showing up consistently are as important as the big, significant moments in life.

"It was a reminder of what we are capable of doing and how inherently human it is to want to share it with others."

• The marathon serves as a reminder of human potential and the innate desire to share achievements and experiences with others.

• The marathon experience encapsulates the pursuit of goals and the personal growth that comes from striving towards them.
• Small ideas and efforts can lead to significant achievements and personal fulfillment.

"How one seemingly small idea can lead you to a place that brings you closer to something bigger than yourself."

• Small initiatives or ideas can lead to profound experiences and accomplishments, bringing individuals closer to larger, more significant goals.

"Whether you are chasing something for yourself or something bigger, you truly have one life so don't forget to show up for it."

• Regardless of personal or larger aspirations, it is crucial to actively participate and engage in life to achieve fulfillment and growth.