Follow the Blue Line

Collins, in his book “For the Culture,” explains how culture consists of unwritten rules and codes that help us navigate everyday life, manifesting in various forms. One of these forms is a common language shared by fringe communities.

This concept resonated with me last Friday (April 26th) when I received my t-shirt for the Hamburg Marathon. The orange Asics t-shirt for the event bore the phrase “Follow the blue line” — an expression familiar to every marathon runner worldwide.

A blue line marks the official route for marathoners, a universal guide across cities like Athens, Valencia, Frankfurt, or Hamburg. Over the years, “Follow the blue line” has evolved into more than just a navigational aid; it has become a rallying cry — a sort of pep talk. It means stay focused, follow the blue line, and you’ll reach the finish.

Marathon runners, or the ‘Garmin Tribe’ as I affectionately call us, operate within our own unique set of codes. We don colorful shoes, T-shirts, bandanas, and at the starting line, we simultaneously press the start button on our Garmins.

The race begins, and the early kilometers are all about finding your rhythm and settling into a pace. As the kilometers accumulate, weather conditions and fatigue come into play. By kilometer 30, the pain sets in, yet the encouragement from spectators and fellow athletes keeps you…