Hi! Kelsey Bruce checking in! I just wanted to seize the opportunity, before everyone has moved on entirely, to let the readers of LetsRun know how truly great your benevolent dictator and co-founder are. By reading this site, you are not only helping to support others’ love of running, but a couple of co-founders that, from my interactions, are fantastic people.
Because of them, I had the opportunity to have one of the best experiences of my life this weekend, on a whim of generosity. When I emailed, I thought, “there’s no way I’d get picked” then after I did, for some reason I anticipated a detached “act of kindness” from some names way bigger than my own. I was just excited for the opportunity. I expected them to give me some details, expectations, and for me to be on my way with my adventure, while I kind of wrestled with this slight guilt of their generosity.
This trip was different, so much more! From the get-go, speaking with Robert, I could tell he was excited about the whole thing. I mean my excitement without his was extremely overwhelming, but to have the FOUNDERS of LetsRun excited about me/ this opportunity (practically an avg joe compared to who they know) really put it over the top.
Then the article; they wrote what I said, they wrote what I was TRYING to say, not what they were trying to get out of me.
The trip: While it was last minute, and I had little to no details before buying my plane ticket haha, they dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s. They were unbelievable friendly and easy to get along with. They made sure I felt comfortable and safe the entire trip, paid notice to things that only conscencious people do. They spoke of stories to be written and coverages to be made, and they truly seem to pursue truth.
At the race, Weldon spoke to every person that wanted his attention. Unfortunately, that wasn’t because he broke the 2k record. He put himself at inconveniences to make sure that he was fully present and engaged with those he came into contact with.
Before leaving Denmark, I was skimming through a book called Great Thinkers (I felt like I needed the help, also I hope I don’t have to attach a citation page) and it said was something like, people are drawn to friendships because they have a quality that you’d like to have more of. I was/am so impressed with Robert and Weldon, and I hope to be able to represent and have more of a passion for the sport, for truth, and for people.
When Weldon, Jonathan, and I parted ways I felt a weird, unexpected sadness. I had anticipated a sadness to accompany the acceptance that the LetsRun community would soon forget and move on and that this momentary high would only be only a fantastic memory for me BUT that wasn’t where the sadness was rooted. I was sad that I had one of the BEST weekends of my running career (ironically, that wasn’t tied to me running well- because I don’t really believe that I ran to my full ability) was over. I was sad that I got to be buddies with some of the COOLEST people I had ever met and that our friendship probably wouldn’t go on like it had the QUICK previous 4 days.
But to close, THANK you so much for all the encouragement and support this last week. In addition to the kindness of Robert and Weldon, this community of readers have inspired me in the sport. Though I was outclassed, I’m excited to get back to work because, clearly, I have a long way to go. But since when is that a bad thing? I mean after-all, we are long- distance runners :)
Not an editors note, but a Kelsey note: I apologize for the melodramatic post but I’m actually crying happy tears writing this (though I am known to be a little emotional :) )
P.S. #2: Even if I don’t ever make an Olympic team; I’m happy and know that God puts us where we need to be. I hope you’ll chase yours (literally or metaphorically) and have people in your life like Weldon and Robert that help make it worthwhile if you fall short OR achieve it ;)