Monday, August 31, 2009

How Running Changed My Life: Tara's Story

The follow story is from Tara. Her very touching story of how running changed her life will surely touch you. Here's Tara's story in her own words:

I've been an avid runner for over 10 years now. This past summer, my Dad's Alzheimer's took a bad turn and my daily runs took on a new meaning. I used my runs as a form of therapy... a meditation and way to deal with all that was happening.

It didn't take long for me to realize that I was now running for my Dad. I was so proud because when I dedicated my runs to him, I felt like I had a little bit of control over this horrible time in my life.

On my runs, I realized that I was not alone. Most of my friends and family were also running for various reasons, so I wanted to provide a way for them to express and celebrate what they Run For. I came home one day and told my husband how I felt and how happy I was to Run For my Dad. I was so proud I wanted to write it across my chest... he looked at me and said, "well why don't you".

In January I had my first Run For shirt in my hand and RunForWhat.com was created. I've created the webist and the running shirts with the hope that others will share, and be inspired by, all that we Run For.

Not only has running offered me ways to gain strength emotionally and physically, now it's offered me a company that has allowed me to gain more knowledge and new runner friends. Pretty cool!—Tara Setzer

Be sure to check out Tara's RunForWhat.com and create your own shirt expressing what you run for. The company was founded in January of 2009 by Tara out of love and honor for her Dad. Through her experience with her dad and her running she decided she wanted to provide a way for other runners to express and celebrate what they Run For. Thanks Tara!

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Checked out the site- Very cool! I love it when somebody takes something they're passionate for and turns it into something that others can share in the passion.

I run for/with Cystic Fibrosis.

Ronnie

Katie said...

Great post -- Tara's idea is inspiring!

IzzyBubbles said...

Great post, great story - it's always nice to see someone turn a dream into reality.

Chic Runner said...

What a great story! Thanks for sharing another inspiring story!

Teamarcia said...

WTG Tara! You are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story.

Denise said...

That is so cool. Checking the site out now!!

Zoƫ said...

I love the stories you post, RunnerDude. Tara's story is very heartwarming and I love how she's turned it into something big. People like Tara truly inspire me! :)

I run for my Mum.

Thomas Tan said...

Now I know where to go to create my own "running" shirt! Awesome story, thanks for the post.

RunnerDude said...

Hi Everyone! Thanks for all the comments! I know Tara will be pleased to see such a great response! I'm going to order my T-shirt soon! Thanks Tara!

The Boring Runner said...

This is an amazing story. Great work turning a bad situation into a positive one.