'The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start' ~John Bingham, a.k.a. The Penguin
I LOVE John the Penguin Bingham! Recommended reading for all new runners!
I just finished the last class of a beginner's run program this past weekend. It was an amazing 10 week journey! The class went from panting through a 30 second jog to running a 5k course (3.1 miles). It feels great to have accomplished so much personally, to have crossed that first finish line. I will miss the camaraderie of the group, as we all learned what it means to become a runner. To quite a few of us this was a BIG deal. Some had run before and it was easier for them, but they still seemed to have their own demons to conquer. It was wonderful to be around a group of people all trying to do something that will make a difference in their lives. It has made a huge impact on my life and has found it's way into every thought and action, running is beginning to run my life. :) I look forward to setting my own training goals and meeting new challenges and hopefully will see my fellow runners out running from time to time.
One of the coolest side effects of running is not only the great chemical kamikaze that makes you feel so good, but the family anxious to follow your lead. My kids have been begging to run with me! I can only hope this ripples into generations of healthy Adams. That would make every footfall mean even more. One of the women in the run club that volunteered to help pace the newbie runners got me through some tough moments. I will always be grateful for her enthusiasm and positive encouragement. Her 6 year old granddaughter was also an inspiration to me, as she made every class but one (she had an important date with the dentist). She ran with us, never stopping to walk, waving her hands around as she chatted away to whomever she was running with. She reminded me that running is natural and we should find joy in moving and breathing. Her grandmother wanted her to understand what it means to finish something, to keep the commitment she had made to run and it was exciting to see this little girl cross the finish line with the 2nd best time in the mock 5k, 29 minutes!
'The more I run, the more I want to run and the more I live a life conditioned and influenced and fashioned by my running. And the more I run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to become the person I am.' ~George Sheehan, M.D., former Runners World columnist.
So game on! The real run starts here and I'm looking forward to many finish lines. Nothing is more wonderful than the look on someones face when they finish the race, whatever race it may be, to never quit. I am thankful to those who are willing to give their time to help others improve and achieve without compensation. Just to see others live a healthier lifestyle, grow a sport, and give back to their community.
Just a couple more quotes and I've gotta run!
'Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today?' ~Peter Maher, two-time Olympic marathoner from Canada
'The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.' ~Juma Ikangaa, Tanzanian marathoner
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