Run, Forest, Run!

The Vermont City Marathon is vastly approaching! T-minus 1 month and 14 days until I do my first Half Marathon. I get to do this event with my father, splitting the marathon. I am excited! This became a goal of mine last year. I had wanted to run in the relay last year but our team didn't get picked. I was pretty bummed about that since even pregnant I kept to running. It was then I decided that I wanted to train for a half after I had Wesley.

I love this event! It is one of the most inspiring events I have ever been a part of. It brings me to tears each time. There is such a unity of people. A rush of adrenaline just watching some of these folks. Everyone has the same goal. Each person wants to finish, to complete their leg, their own personal journey.

Last year I was at the finish line waiting for my father to come through (that crazy man was running the entire marathon!) and I remember this girl coming over the finish line. I am not sure if she was running the half or the whole but none the less she was crying. I was so touched by her emotion and happiness that it made me cry. She had completed her own goal and you could see how intense that was.

Then there are those people in their 60's, 70's, even 80's that run, even if it is a leg of the marathon! Let's not forget about the wheel chair racers who start of the race every year. Their strength and determination is remarkable. These are the people I look at with admiration.

Athletic, skinny, overweight, old, young... it does not matter! Everyone gathers together to RUN!

It means something different to each person. A dream, a goal, or maybe just for the hell of it. The reason doesn't matter. What matters is the unity of the run.

Running for me means solace at the end of a day. It means strength, determination, and a goal which I have become passionate about. I run for ME! It is something I can call my own. Running brings me comfort. Running gives me strength.

In just 4 days we come up on the 1 year anniversary of an heartbreaking tragedy. It will be the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing.

This post is for each one of them who ran that day. For each life that was affected by this evil act. One thing is certain, just as all these people came together to run, a community of people came together to help heal and overcome.

On the 15th, that is Tuesday, get out there! Run, walk, skip! Which ever you choose. Just do it and do it in memory of those affected by the events of April 15th, 2013. Be thankful that you can! We are all blessed to be able to run or walk. It is a gift! Each day is a gift. Stop, reflect, and be thankful.

Happy running!