I remember the pain of those final miles. Heavy legs, every step negotiated.

But somewhere in that last straightaway, I heard cowbells and cheering. Strangers—families waiting for their own runners, neighbors with too many mimosas—were cheering for me.

My eyes welled up. I've found the same is true with writing. The more distant the person, the more the encouragement means.

Your inner circle loves you, but they're biased. That friend who hasn't read a book in 20 years isn't breezing through your manuscript.

Strangers have no obligation. So when they show up with something kind, it feels different.

Blog Post: Cheers From A Stranger

Sponsors: ⁠31 Easy™⁠, ⁠TempRx

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Elite Marathons and Unexpected Support

01:59 - The Pain, The Cheers: My Marathon and Writing

04:11 - Why Family and Friends Can Disappoint

08:28 - Trea Turner and the Power of Cheers From A Stranger

12:35 - Final Thoughts