It hit me like a ton of bricks. The first time I did a half-marathon, in Hartford three years ago, I was at mile 11 and my quadriceps were yelling at me with what can only be described at the most foul language ever heard, when I saw it. We were running by the Armory in Hartford - not the most scenic part of the course – and I was desperately searching for the next mile marker, when I looked up and it was right in front of me. A man just ahead was wearing one of the many memorial t-shirts that I had seen that day for people running the race for a cause. But this one was different. This t-shirt was in memory of a child who had lost the battle with cancer. Damn. My attention immediately turned from my quads to my head and what the hell was I thinking to be worrying about a little physical pain? Pony up and stop whining!
Everywhere you look there are people who can inspire you. I remember training for my first marathon and trying to focus on feeling lucky that I was able to do this. My mother was going through knee-replacement surgery at the time. My father, who introduced me to running through fun-runs as a kid, had a hip-replacement and wasn’t able to run any longer. My good friend and running partner – and a four-time marathon runner - was recovering from a back injury that left her in constant pain. I tried to cling to the gratitude that I felt for being healthy enough to undertake the challenge. 
Since then, I find inspiration everywhere. Everyone knows someone who has battled cancer, who has literally fought for their life. I have a young neighbor who is battling cancer with such courage and grace that he inspires me whenever I run. He may not know it, but he gives me the strength to continue when I get weak. Whenever you don’t feel like working out, going for a walk, making a change in your life, think of them. If it was as simple as getting in better shape, if that’s all it took to be healthier and live longer, would you do it?
It makes me crazy when I see people throwing away that opportunity. This is your life. You can have fun. You can go out. You can put down a plate of wings … once in a while. But I also want this to be the best life I can have. I want to look good. I want to feel good. And I want to make the most of the life and the good health that I’m so fortunate to have.
Posted by Tina on October 2, 2010 at 6:50 am
I know exactly what you are talking about Julie! That type of inspiration is what got me to cross the 26.2 mile marker in the Hartford Marathon a few years ago Julie! One sunday morning after church, a good friend informed that she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Later that morning, as I was sorting through the “junk” mail, there was a postcard from Team in Training, a group that trains people to walk or run a marathon (26.2 miles) or half marathon (13.1 miles) or cycle a century ride (100 miles) in about four months, in exchange for raising money for…yes…Leukemia. How ironic! I mailed the card in that morning. That afternoon I bought a new pair of running shoes and a medal with my friend’s patron saint namesake and I hit the pavement. I wore the medal around my neck during every training run for inspiration. My friend passed away two months before race day. I questioned my decision to continue training. What was the point. She was gone. But I decided I had to keep going. I ran over 500 miles over the next four months. More saturday nights than I care to admit, I would lay in bed dreading what the next morning had in store for me…a 15 miler, an 18 miler, a 20 miler. UGH. I’d question why I ever got myself into this. But I thought of my friend and I kept going. I raised over $1500 for Leukemia and finished a full marathon. My friend’s family members came to the race to support me. I presented the patron saint medal to my friend’s 10 year old niece at the finish line. I told her to wear it close to her heart and her aunt will help her through the unimaginable. We cried and hugged. Thanks to the amazingly ironic timing of my friend’s message and a message from Team in Training. I accomplished something that I never imagined was possible. God rest her soul and God rest my shin splints.
PS – I absolutely love your blog Julie! Thanks!
Tina C.
See you at the gym at 4:45 am
Posted by Lisa on October 5, 2010 at 9:28 am
I woke up this morning proclaiming that I had another crummy nights sleep and my knee was feeling cranky. Upon looking out the window, I played my final lazy card in announcing that I was not going to walk the dog because of the rain. Then I read your blog. And put on my raincoat and headed out with Rhody. My walks are my think time and you gave me plenty to think about. I realized that my daily complaints about not being motivated and getting myself together are just so invalid when so much of the world and people have much bigger struggles and worries. Much of the time, I tend to spend much of my energy taking care of and worrying about others when ultimately, I don’t take care of myself. Time for a change and it begins today. Thanks Julie. I have seen, heard and lived everything you mentioned in your blog but haven’t taken the time to put it all into perspective. Thanks for the wake-up call!