What’s a NERCiversary?

North End Run Club, affectionately known as NERC, came into my life on this day - June 19 - 2 years ago. I showed up on quite literally the hottest day of summer 2018 at Mt. Trashmore Park. Little did I know showing the F up would change my life.

Here’s the deal, I’m a runner because I run. But that wasn’t why I showed up. Hell, it wasn’t what I expected to become. Because...well, to be honest I HATE RUNNING! I know, how can someone who runs so often hate it. The truth is (now) I run because I love this crew. Plain & simple.

Recently, I listened to NERC Founder, Barry Clark, on the Forerunners Podcast. Barry and host, Danny Smith, discussed what makes NERC so special. It was when they got to the NERC Cheer Stations that made my heart swell. Why? Labor Day weekend 2018, I decided last minute to show up to the Rock ‘N Roll cheer station. That’s when I knew I found my crew. It was that day I made some of my very best friends. It was that day I understood what it meant to be a member of NERC.

Fast forward to November 24, 2019. Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon, my first half-marathon. For 9.2 miles, all I could think about was going through this very cheer station. I was nervous, I was excited, I was full of all the emotions. As we approached, I could not only hear the crew, but I could FEEL the energy. We hadn’t even turned the corner and it was just radiating through the streets. But I knew nothing would compare - except maybe the Eagles Super Bowl parade...that’s the energy NERC brings.

That’s the energy NERC brings EVERY. DAMN. TIME.

As I ran through, I absorbed every ounce of energy. Every cheer. Every high five. But it went so fast, it was a fleeting moment that I didn’t want to end. (Thankfully, my pacer ran ahead to video it, so I relive it when I’m having a rough day. If you look carefully above you see him trailing me capturing the moment.)

So today, I am beyond thankful I showed the F up two years ago. I’m thankful I kept showing F up. I’m thankful to continue showing F up.

This summer join me on Devinately NOT as I train for not 1 but 2 Fall half-marathons - if COVID allows (insert eye roll). It won’t be pretty. Hell, it’ll be ugly. But I will share it...the good, the bad, the ugly. It’s a journey. We can’t crush goals without the gritty hard work...and the support of a crew (be it NERC or your own!).

& I will share my why. I’ll share the story behind the blog. I’ll share more of my own story leading up to where I am today. My only hope is to inspire one person to push through the tough and chase the once unthinkable. After all...you should ‘never miss an opportunity because of fear.’

Peace out ✌🏼