I love new reading material almost as much as I love getting my hands on new music. There’s something about diving into an untouched book or magazine that I love.
Geez. I’m a nerd.
That being said, the only magazine I subscribe to ( no surprise) is Runners World. It’s always loaded with info I find useful as well as amusing. I love reading about elite runners and soaking up what they do and implementing whatever might work for me. Of course there’s always some inspirational runners story that makes me feel proud to be a part of the running community.
This month I’ve been reading with avid interest as it features “every day, ordinary” runners. They had a big contest you could throw your name in the hat to be the cover person for this months edition.
I contemplated it. And didn’t.
Oh I have in the past, and was blown away when I was selected to be a part of the Dec 2012 “Runners Body” feature ( you can read that in another post) it was an amazing experience to work with a professional photographer and be photographed in such a way that showed the strength, power, and athleticism of my body.
Some of the winners selected for this months feature included cover winner who lost over 100 lbs. running and how her life has been changed, others who have overcome great odds, some run crazy numbers of races and miles, they have battled through diseases, abuse, and emotional trauma. They train, teach, inspire and are these beautiful shining examples to the people they are around.
Running has been a sanctuary, a place of healing, hope, and strength for them. I read these stories and cry. I get inspired. I dream bigger.
That’s when I think…. “yeah, now I know why I don’t toss my name in to those competitions. I’m just so… ordinary.”
I haven’t done or experienced the things these people have gone through.
I mean, yeah, running let me drop the weight of a hefty toddler and I do relate to it being a place I go to for thinking, stress release, peace, and my personal escape.
But the thought came again… I’m just…so… ordinary.
However, as I thought on that and reflected on those stories, things started coming to my mind…
All the times people have messaged me, responded to this blog, or talked to me in person to tell me that I inspire them. To keep doing what I do because it motivates them to DO something…. to make changes, to get moving, to be strong, to make better food choices, to be the best “me” they can be etc.
When my crazy running posts have people wanting to go and try running. They ask about shoes, gear, and how to start. I share from my meager education on being a runner. I rejoice when they really start embracing it.
When someone tells me they finally signed up for a race. Best feeling ever.
Or comments that if I can be out ( running, cycling, or whatever craziness) they too, can get out and do what they need to do. I remember a friend messaging me to tell me how she was struggling through her workout and she remembered seeing my post that I was doing 28 miles that morning. She said “remembering you were out running, I told myself if you could do that, I could get my workout done!”
When I counsel/mentor/encourage someone and they “get it” and start on their health and fitness journey… and start walking that road of freedom…nothing feels better.
Like… nothing.
That’s when I realized…. I might not ever make it in a magazine by doing something “spectacular” but I am making a difference in my personal world that I live in.
Being me… in all my odd, fun, weird, non-conforming, quirkiness doing what I do….does touch and impact lives. I don’t have to be anyone else or do what they’re doing.
I just need to be me and use the talents, gifts, and abilities that God has given me and that can make an impact in the world I operate in.
You too, my faithful 1.5 readers, never underestimate, the impact you have in your world.
You can inspire, encourage, build up, and challenge those around you =)
Tell me…. how do you inspire or encourage in your personal world ?
sassyfitnesschick 