Runspiration

So. 26.2 is *still* very much on the brain. We haven’t chosen our marathon <yet> but we’re in discussions, Scott and I, yes we are. 😉

While mulling something as monumental as a full marathon over, I got to thinking about the “why” behind my desire to face down 26.2 very long miles.

And honestly? It’s pretty simple:

I want to do something that the vast majority of the universe will never, ever accomplish. I want to say yes, I *did* just run 26.2 miles and yes, I *know* how rare that is and yes, I realize how lucky I am to be *able* to push my body that far.

The second reason? I’ve been completely blown away by the incredible drive, motivation and ambition of so many of my fellow blog friends and runners alike. And there are a few in particular that have been my total runspiration of late.

**Now, let me preface this by saying that I almost didn’t even write this post for fear that I might hurt someone’s feelings by not listing them as one of my runspirations. Honestly? There are SO SO SO many of you out there that inspire me, not just as a runner, but just as little ‘ol me. I am constantly impressed and inspired by each one of you and really? Maybe I ought to celebrate you all a little more often on this blog than I have up until this point. Hmm, this could become a regular feature ‘o mine…brain is churning over here. 😉 **

Again, I digress! Back to the task at hand – runspirations.

Ali @ Ali on the Run – She’s facing down her first-ever full marathon this weekend and is running it for a very special cause, one that also happens to be near and dear to my heart as well (one of my best friends faced colitis as well so I know just how difficult it can be to manage the disease day in and day out). She’s running it for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation because it’s a disease she battles every single day and a disease she has told straight out: “you will not beat me.” Even after her doctor told her to stop running and to get the idea of a marathon out of her head, she didn’t listen. Instead, she’s been bound and determined to prove him wrong. And guess what? She’s done an amazing job and WILL cross that finish line with a smile on her face, and maybe wearing her “I heart sweat” t-shirt that I personally cannot wait to wear (been checking the mailbox like a crazy person!!).

Angela @MyPinkyToes – Another first-time marathoner, but this girl has already rocked all 26.2 miles and has done so for an equally good cause: Girls on the Run, an organization dedicated to health and wellness education for young women (3^rd through 8^th grade girls). Angela is a “Sole Mate” which meant that all proceeds from her fundraising efforts went directly back to Girls on the Run – whose mission is awesome if you ask me. There are so many health issues associated with unhealthy eating habits and lack of fitness or wellness activities in our lives as Americans that to see an organization like Girls on the Run tackle the issue is awesome. But back to Angela…she raced with SUCH heart, and trained with even more heart. Every time I read one of her posts as she faced down longer and longer training runs, my heart soared for her. And, it was after reading her marathon recap, with tears in my eyes, that I knew I needed to experience 26.2.

Samantha @Because I Can – This girl? What can I say? She is the one that *really* got me thinking about a full marathon after I “met” her recently on twitter and in bloggy land. I’m amazed we hadn’t “met” sooner because her background, particularly her running background, is pretty similar to mine. Neither of us are self-proclaimed “natural” runners but we’ve both worked hard to chase after that ever-elusive runner’s high and well? She just raced her second marathon and I’ve just been struck by her approach and style to running from the start. Especially her mantra that she does all of this today simply because she can. She is able to. And she does not take that for granted. Neither do I. Not for a second.

So  yeah, totally runspired today by these ladies, but also by all of you. For your dedication, commitment, joy and zest for life that I have the privilege of reading about everyday on your blogs. Yes I heart blogging, and bloggers, yes I do!!

And 26.2? Still scares the sh*t out of me, but intrigues me so much so that I’m ready to do something that scares me – every single day of the sixteen weeks it’ll take to train myself into 26.2 miles.