By : Caroline Kavanaugth
When Walter first proposed the idea of the Fuego y Agua 25K race, I was immediately on board. The thought of running up and down a volcano and along some picturesque beaches sounded like an adventure I couldn’t miss. However, as the training process began, it quickly became clear that it would test my limits in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Waking up for those 5 am morning runs wasn’t exactly my idea of fun, and as race day approached, my nerves and self-doubt grew stronger.
t was during these moments of doubt that I realized the true power of community, embodied by the incredible RunJuntos team. As the only girl on the team, I often felt like I had twelve bodyguards running alongside me, each one dedicated to ensuring I felt supported and encouraged. Every time we went out, someone would always volunteer to run at the back with me, offering words of encouragement and motivation. Their unwavering belief in me, their constant support, and their genuine care made all the difference.
One of my favorite Spanish words is “acompañar,” which means to accompany or to go alongside. This word perfectly captures the spirit of Nicaraguans and, especially, the essence of the RunJuntos team. Throughout our training, and especially on race day, the boys exemplified this beautifully. Whether it was the three teammates who stayed by my side during the grueling 8-hour race or those who cheered me on at the finish line, I felt accompanied in the truest sense of the word. They hugged me to calm my nerves before the race, shared pep talks, and ensured I never felt alone.
The camaraderie we built over five months of early morning runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays created bonds that I will cherish forever. The encouragement, care, and friendship from my teammates made me feel like a vital part of the team. This race was not just a physical challenge but an emotional journey of togetherness, aptly summarized by the term “acompañar.” We tackled the tough terrain and the moments of self-doubt juntos (together), never allowing anyone to fall behind.
Whenever I felt the urge to complain or give up, I thought about the families who would benefit from the funds our team raised for the race. These families face daily challenges far greater than a 25K race, walking long distances with heavy 5-gallon buckets of water often balanced on their heads. Their resilience and strength fueled my determination to keep going, reminding me that if they could endure such hardships, I could certainly finish this race.
Meeting friendly people along the way and crossing the finish line surrounded by my teammates and friends was an indescribable feeling of accomplishment and joy. It wasn’t just about the race itself but the entire journey we had undertaken together.
In the end, participating in the Fuego y Agua 25K race with the RunJuntos team was an incredible experience that taught me the true meaning of support, encouragement, and friendship. The race was challenging in ways I hadn’t expected, but the sense of community and the spirit of “acompañar” made every moment worthwhile. I hope to continuously encourage others just as the RunJuntos team did for me, proving that with the right support, we can all cross the finish line together.
If you’re interested in joining the RunJuntos team
contact Scott Cunningham (scott@amigosforchrist.org) or Iris George (iris@amigosforchrist.org).
