So as I mentioned before I have been training for the Augusta 70.3 triathlon. As part of my training I had a 2 hour run scheduled for Saturday morning. Based on the pace I would run this would be around 14 miles. At the end of the day, for most people, 2 hours is a LONG time to run. At some point you’re sore, tired, bored or a combination of all of these and, it’s usually just you and the road. It can be lonely. Well, I actually felt pretty good on the run and ended up running 15 miles. This is the longest I’ve ever run at one time. Of course, since I ran alone this was a celebration I’d be having by myself. . . or so I thought.

When I finished running, I pulled out my phone and saw a text message on the home screen from a friend that said, “RUN FORREST RUN! You’re a machine! You’re an animal! You’ve got this!!!!”

I thought, “hmmm, that’s cool. He must have seen me running while I was out. That was nice of him.”

Then I looked at my text messages and I had 7 texts! As I started scrolling through them I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t get a little verklempt. (this is a favorite word of mine by the way) Here is what else I read from good friends of mine:

“There are only two options regarding commitment; you’re either in or you’re out. There’s no such thing as life in-between.” Pat Riley – // U R ALL IN! Keep pushing!

“I know you are on your long run right now. So proud of you for what you do. Keep it up!”

“Just b/c I’m not crazy enough to run with you, doesn’t mean I’m not with you bro!”

“Run Buddy Run!”

“Can you believe you can run that far?!! Who would’ve ever guessed it 10 years ago?! Amazing! Half Ironman coming up!”

“Pain is temporary. . . Strength is eternal. Keep Going!!!”

I can’t think of anything I’ve ever received at the end of a tough training effort that meant more to me. I was so confused though until it hit me — Amanda. Just as I thought, she thought of me that morning and took a few seconds to send a text message to some of my friends and asked them to send me an encouraging message. They, in turn, took just a few seconds to send these to me.

In today’s world, it is SO easy to send a text, email, Facebook message, tweet that can change the course of somebody’s day. I know these texts changed mine.  It literally takes a few seconds! Don’t miss the opportunity to offer an encouraging word to someone. If someone comes to mind, do it now!

Has anyone ever sent you a short message that came just at the right time?