1
Sep
2009
Sharing the Run
One of the things I love most about running is the awesome camaraderie found at races. When I first started running I was just amazed by the exceptionally upbeat atmosphere…the smiles and positive attitudes were amazing and I just knew from the very first race, I wanted to be part of that. The awesome feeling I get from running/training/racing is so uplifting that I can’t help but want to share it with everyone I meet (and those I already know! ) Because of my contagious running spirit many of my friends and family have tried the whole running thing out…I am super excited to say for my sister it stuck. She started running and following the training schedules I would email her…she was building a base and getting to be a solid runner. During one of our many sister conversations I mentioned racing to her…I don’t want to say she scoffed but I can’t think of another accurate word to describe her initial disdain at the thought of racing. I love my sister, I was going for a visit and I couldn’t imagine not sharing a race with her…so I won her over with my excitement and she signed us up for the Carolina Panthers race….and what a race it was! It was a hilly course on a super hot morning and Jen got a little taste of race day Cindy…the pre race quiet..the post race excitement, the process of getting ready and preparing both mentally and physically…my cousins thought they would clue her in early and told her how I am pre and post race…she felt so prepared/warned…it is rather humorous I suppose but I have to tell you it is just amazing to share such a fabulous experience with someone you love so much…and I love her. We had a great time and I am now actively trying to convince her to do a destination race with me, I am thinking a half marathon in a cool city….Chicago, New York…the possibilities are endless, if I can convince her to run longer then a 5k that is! 
Go ask a friend, call a family member, invite a neighbor, share a run or a race with someone you are care about…it is a great motivator and an awesome experience to share with people you enjoy.~Happy Running!
My sis and I just after getting my second place award cup.
- Post race shinanagins!
Hi, Cindy — it’s Laura from Chicago (of Steve and Laura fame). I highly recommend the Indy half marathon — this year it’s May 8, I think. Big race, something like 40,000 entrants, bands all along the course, you get to do a lap around the speedway. And you run past the zoo, too — the first year I did it, I saw elephants looking at the crowd. I like to think they were puzzled.
Anyway, I hope to see you before next August!
Laura