Running Inspiration

WOW– talk about running inspiration! If that doesn’t make you lace up the sneakers and head out for your run this weekend, I don’t know what will! I read about Ben in a Runner’s World issue a couple of months ago, but I had yet to watch the video he put together. Typical of many Americans today, Ben was overweight and depressed about his physical condition. Instead of continuing down the path he was on, the then 22 year old decided to take up running to help lose weight and get himself back into shape. What followed was a dramatic transformation, both physically and mentally. Ben chose to dream big.

I think that no matter what size you were when you started running, we can all relate to the tremendous positive influence running has had on our lives. Whether you run to fit into your favorite pair of jeans, to lower your cholesterol, to fight depression, or simply to get out of your house and away from the chaos that is sometimes life, running can help get you there. You may start out running for one reason and realize that it impacts your life in so many others.

I sit here typing this three days into my two week stint on the disabled list, and all I want to do is go for a run. I knew that not running for a while would be hard for me because no other work out seems to give me the endorphin rush I get from running–the feeling that when I am done, I can take on the world. Not being able to run makes me want it even more.

After watching Ben’s video, I had an overwhelming urge to throw on my shoes and sneak out for a run, but I am going to be good and cross-train instead.  Life experience has taught me that I can play now and pay later. I would rather be able to run in two weeks than be sitting out for two months, so wherever your running inspiration takes you today, have fun and run some miles for me!