Thanks for the support on my last post, ladies and gents. I. AM. PUMPED. for Saturday and am feeling much more positivity flowing through my veins. And now, I have a few questions for myself:
Why do I limit myself?
Why WOULDN’T I be able to reach my goals?
Just because I’m not ready for something NOW, doesn’t mean I NEVER will be. HARD WORK PAYS OFF. Thanks for reminding me that I, too, can get there if I stay the course and continue to learn from every situation. I especially appreciate your relatable stories – it’s always nice to know I’m not alone here!
So, back to my day-to-day life which I know you love hearing about. I just finished my last easy run before the Brooklyn Half, complete with strides. My legs felt sluggish starting off but warmed up after a mile or so.
Weee! I Running!
I think I’ve “found my strong” just in time. You know, a la Saucony? I’ve been watching this video over and over ever since learning about Dorothy and her running story. As one of her readers I feel like I “know” her, which makes it even more exciting to see her in the video. She looks like such a champ. And I’m loving the arm warmers. And the headband. Need these ASAP. HASHTAG MARKETING GENIUS.
What does “Find Your Strong” mean?
Strong can be found in every runner. Personal. Powerful. Insanely motivating. We find strong in others. We find it in ourselves, and when we share it, we all get stronger.
I’ve been focusing on the “when we share it, we all get stronger” sentiment ever since I began blogging; the running community is extremely open and supportive, and I’ve become so much more self-motivated and empowered by sharing and reading about others’ accomplishments. Seriously empowered. I am one million times more confident in myself and my athletic abilities…feelings a true passion should elicit. I find my strong within myself, but like I said before, even if I have a terrible run, YOU all help me to see things in a positive light as well. THANK YOU. I aim to do the same for my readers, friends, and family. Share, and we all get better! Good deal, right? Let’s move forward.
I’m all about this #FindYourStrong campaign. All about promoting fitness and reaching goals. If you’ve spoken with me for more than 3 minutes, you know this. I especially like to alert people about influential, positive companies that I can get behind. Enter Saucony! Anytime a company makes a real effort to connect with their community, I notice. Again, it motivates me to be stronger. It makes me want to share that feeling. Remember Kindergarten? Sharing is caring!
Anyway, do you like cute, functional running clothes? ‘Cause I do. You would know this if you saw my drawers. They’re overflowing with workout gear, while my “work clothes drawer” is a little bare. I have a pretty pathetic work outfit rotation.
So, here’s your bonus: when you enter the #FindYourStrong contest by sharing your personal achievements (remember how sharing makes us ALL better?), you can win some fabulously cute gear to get strong(er) in. This week’s question: When I Was Stronger Than I Thought. Tell us about a time you rose to the occasion and beat the odds.
I’d say I was stronger than I thought when I signed up for Team In Training and ran my first marathon. I had moved all the way to New York from Iowa. I signed up to make friends and just to run, but I ended up raising money for blood cancers, meeting great people, and of course, running my first marathon…something I dreamed about since age 14, but wasn’t ever convinced I could do it. I was nervous. I was lonely. I was feeling down-and-out about running. People always told me that I was too short to be a runner. TOO SHORT TO BE A RUNNER?! What kind of crap is that. Again, I gradually felt empowered by surrounding myself with so many positive, inspirational people. And now I work for TNT! Funny how things turn out, right? I’m 100% certain that enveloping yourself in positivity – positive people and a positive attitude – brings good things.
Positive. Positive. Positive. Have I said it enough?
Write out your answer. Inspire others. Inspire yourself. Maybe win a jacket! Win-win-win.
*Note: if you win the jacket, I at least want a high five.
Other important things:
I got this email today. Thoughts?!
I’m leaning toward a big Y-E-S! Heyyy Philly!
Perfect for pre-Ragnar, right?
TELL ME: When were you stronger than you thought?
ALSO IMPORTANT:WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE RUNNING SONGS!? I am compiling a new 13.1 playlist and would appreciate some suggestions. My iPhone welcomes any and all genres of music. He doesn’t discriminate.
I love love LOVE this post! So many people in the running community inspire me to be more than I think I can be. They motivate me every day to be a stronger, better version of myself. You inspire me! I’ve so been enjoying your blog lately. Your enthusiasm and spirit make me excited to push harder tomorrow than I did today. #FindYourStrong resonates loudly with me too! Your spirit and attitude about the Brooklyn half makes me want to run 13.1 miles on Saturday as a tribute to all of my strong new friends that help empower me to want to always push myself outside my comfort zone and see what I’m really capable of. Best of luck Saturday!!! You’re going to be strong and amazing. Go out there and run your little heart out! Can’t wait to run with you again!!! I’m also thinking of Philly, let’s chat!
Beth, thank you so much for that comment! You seriously made my day! So glad you feel inspired to push harder. I totally believe in you. Can’t wait to run with you again and let’s def discuss Philly ASAP! (OH and I absolutely support you running 13.1 miles on Saturday
I love Find Your Strong! Such an amazing campaign.
Sure is
I love your find your strong post :). I feel ya on the short thing, people are always like “You’re so fast and you have such short legs”, yeah like that has anything to do with it! But yeah, I always thought that too, that I had the wrong body type for running. And I agree, we do get stronger by reading other people’s blogs and stories, it lets you know someone else has been there in your shoes before and also what you can strive for :).
My old physical therapist once told me I don’t have a body built for running! RUDE! haha.
Love the find your strong project
Have a GREAT race this weekend!!!
Hi Carrie! Thanks SO much!!