Meital Pavolotzky, Week 7: Find Your Community

Last week, I had my first cross country meet. It was very exciting since I had worked hard for it and being able to do it was rewarding. There were so many exciting parts about the meet and I am so glad that I did it. One of my favorite parts was seeing the companionship between all the runners and the viewers.

Passing by all the parents and hearing their chants was truly a great experience and it made me keep going no matter how tired I was. As well, so many strangers would chant for me even though they were rooting for others. For example, many runners from the race before mine had stayed to watch my race. It was so motivational to hear them say things like "you got this" or "keep pushing" because they were also runners who knew how you felt in that moment. Furthermore, there was an instance in which one of the girls from my race had to stop and walk. What made this a really sweet moment was that another girl slowed down her pace to ask if the girl who stopped was okay and to motivate her to keep going. Later on, I saw them both running together.

This is a perfect example of how the running community is there to support, not judge. I also feel this way with the gym community. Many times at my gym people will come up to me and give me advice or help. This always makes my day because it makes me feel appreciated. As well, knowing that they started out where I am and were able to achieve what they did brings me confidence that if I continue working I can become like them.

All of this goes to say, that I believe that communities in which people workout and exercise are the best communities. Everyone supports everyone else. No one can feel like they are better than you because we all start at zero and work our way up. So, the next time that you are looking for places to make friends and feel welcome, maybe try doing a new sport or simply working out at the gym. Not only will you get all the physical benefits but you will also feel loved.

When and how have you felt appreciated because of what you were doing and what is your favorite community to be part of?

https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-you-should-work-out-crowd-ncna798936