Taking That Leap

I wanted to be an architect like Mr. Brady.

This morning I Facebook messaged with a friend who was telling me he was miserable in his current job. I told him to think about what was worse, being safe in his current job but miserable, or (albeit scary) taking a leap of faith and make a change and do what he really wanted to do. It made me reflect on my own past decisions.

When someone asked me as a kid what I wanted to do when I grew up, I'd usually say I wanted to be an architect. I think that was because "Mr. Brady" the dad on my favorite TV show "The Brady Bunch" (this was the 70s) was an architect. I didn't really know what that was, but it sounded cool.

My early art. Not great, but I really enjoyed drawing, It was
my escape. Probably haven't drawn anything in 20 years.

Of course I didn't become an architect, but dreaming about it was fun. As a kid, I was always making something. My poor dad. While other fathers were in the sports section of Roses (Wal-Mart of the 70s) picking out a glove, ball, or bat, my dad was in the crafts section waiting for me to pick out the next whatever I was going to make. I never had any formal art training. Never even took art in high school, but on my own, I drew. I drew a lot. Mostly pen and ink and colored pencil. I was never secure enough in my talent to take an art class or to take it in school. Ironically, kind of like sports at the time. I was scared to put myself out there.

Then all of the sudden I'm getting ready to graduate from High School and I'm expected to have a career in mind.  I really had no idea. I was accepted into App State, NCSU, and UNC-Chapel Hill. Not exactly sure why, but I chose App State. I was thinking I was going to go into "art" not knowing what that really was or meant. There's one thing about me that has always been and will always be and that is that I might not know what I want, but I definitely know what I don't want.

My first few days at App were not very good. Now keep in mind, I had really only been away from home by myself once. I was a preacher's kid and while I wasn't really sheltered I was a very naive kid. Looking back I'm pretty proud of that naivete because it really let me be a kid. Problem was that at that point in my life that naivete didn't prepare me for the first couple days of college life having drunk kids fall into my room and lots of other not-so-appropriate-things being thrown in my face full force in concentrated form on day one. Scared the heck out of me. I called home and without much detail, I told my parents that ASU just wasn't for me. My Dad, said, "Well, let me come up there tomorrow, we'll talk about it, and then we'll decide what to do." Dad arrived the next day like he promised. But when he got there, I had my room emptied and my car packed. We headed home. LOL! Like I said, I may not know what I want, but I know what I don't want. Still true today.

So coming home, my Dad said I had to have a plan. And so I did. Because school had already started, I couldn't just go to NCSU or UNC even though I had been accepted. I had to reapply. So that semester, I took evening classes at UNC while awaiting my re-acceptance status for the second semester at UNC or NCSU. I heard from NCSU first so, I headed to Raleigh with the idea I'd be a business major. First two semesters were great, then in my third semester, when I took my first "real" business class (some kind of statistics class), I thought "holy crap!" Decided then-and-there that the business route was not for me (kind of ironic since today, I'm a small business owner). I transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill as an Education major.

A letter from a student in my last 5th grade class.
Wow! She'd be about 31 now....I feel old. 

I had finally found my niche. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in Intermediate Education and began my career as a 5th grade teacher in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. I really loved what I did. After eight years, I had an opportunity to go into educational publishing with a company based in Greensboro, NC. It was scary, to move from teaching into a more corporate setting, but it was a great blend of teaching, creating, and big business. My first leap of faith.

I was in publishing for 13 years. Loved what I did. Had worked my way from writer/editor, to Senor Editor of Intermediate Books, to  Book Development Manager, to Curriculum Manager. I got to travel some and really loved what I was doing. I thought I'd be in publishing until retirement. Then the bottom fell out of the economy in 2009 and 1/3 of the company I worked for was let go. I was a part of that 1/3. Funny how the ones with the most experience and longevity are the first to go during times like that.  Insult to injury, the company held me to a non-compete and I was not able to work in my field for 18 months. I could have fought it, but instead I took it as a sign to do what I really loved doing....running and fitness. Leap of faith #2.

So in 2009, back to school I went getting my diploma in fitness training from the National Personal Training Institute in Raleigh, my personal training certification from the American College of Sports Medicine, and coaching certifications from RRCA for marathon training and USA-TF for track and short distance running.

In 2010, I leased a 400 sq ft office space in Greeensboro, NC with (no money and no clients) and opened RunnerDude's Fitness. Leap of Faith #3. Scared to death, but excited beyond belief, I began my journey as RunnerDude. Best decision of my life. In the past seven years, that 400 sq ft has grown to 3000 sq ft and that zero client list has grow to me working with over 600 running and fitness clients. I've helped hundreds of runners reach their running goals from running for the first time to qualifying for Boston. I've crafted RunnerDude's Blog into one of the top rated running blogs in the country, being read in over 90 countries and  over 1.5 million page views, giving me the opportunity to interview running greats like Olympians Shalane Flanagan, Kara Goucher, Nick Symmonds, and Jeff Galloway as well as Runner's World's Bart Yasso.

Evolution of a Dude

Is it still scary? Heck yeah, but I love what I do. All though I didn't know it at the time, all of those life "stepping stones" helped create the person I am today. Many my age are talking about upcoming retirement, but I feel like I've just started. I'll probably be coaching runners from my hoveround on the greenway when I'm 90. :-)

Change is hard, but to grow as an individual, you need change. Your change may not be a huge career change, but whatever change comes your way, embrace it, it may bring amazing things your way. Are you due for a leap of faith?

WHAM! POW! BANG! Life Sure Can Pack a Punch!

Some of you may be aware that for the past year, I've been on a life-changing journey. A little over a year ago my secure little world was rocked to it's core when I was laid off from my job. Actually it was more than a job. My job as a writer and editor was a career that I thought I'd have for the rest of my life.

Life has a great way of throwing curve balls at you. If things get too comfortable and familiar, that's usually when, WHAM! POW! BANG! You're hit with change. Change can be painful, but I've learned that along with change comes opportunity.

That's exactly what happened to me. The idea of me working as a fitness professional was a daydream I'd often have while running on the treadmill at the gym, watching the personal trainers work with their clients. That dream became a reality when I was forced to redefine myself. I would have never left the security of a job with benefits, but when I had no choice and that security was taken from me, I was able to take a leap of faith and pursue a career in fitness and running. In retrospect I wonder if that had been the "Big Plan" all along.

It's funny how things begin to grow in a particular direction over time without you even being aware of it. I ran my first marathon back in '97. That led to 9 more. A running injury in '06 led me to the gym for low-impact exercise for 3-months during my recovery. That led me into the world of fitness and resistance training. I began RunnerDude's Blog about a year-and-a-half ago. That led to a wonderful readership and the ability to connect with runners and fitness buffs all over the globe. All who have taught me a ton about fitness and running as well as the human spirit. My job layoff in '09 led to the realization that my interest in fitness and running was more than a hobby. That realization led to me going back to school and becoming a certified personal trainer and running coach. Those certifications led to the start of a new business—RunnerDude's Fitness—a personal training studio in Greensboro, NC.

The studio is in it's second month of business and things are moving right along. Now taking the rose-colored glasses off for a second—the path (while very rewarding) hasn't been an easy one. Personal Training school was 6-months of full-time intense hands-on experience and classroom study. And then the really hard stuff started—opening a business. Oh man, there were many a sleepless night. Being totally responsible for every element of opening a business is to say the least, just a tad overwhelming. But once I was open and able to begin practicing my new craft, my wonderful new clients have quickly shown me it was the right decision.

My client base is small right now, but it's growing. I have clients in their 30s to their mid 50's. They each come with a different background, level of fitness, and reason for coming. Their determination to better their health and fitness is truly inspiring. From the 50-year-old lady who's discovered she's stronger than she thinks, to the 30-something father of two who's maintaining a huge weight loss and setting an awesome example for his kids with a healthier lifestyle, to the 40-year-old mother of two boys who's making time for herself to join the beginning running group so she can regain the energy she used to have, to the 40-something-mother who quite smoking 90 days ago and has joined the beginning running group to keep her new positive and healthy lifestyle on track, to the fella in his mid-fifties who wants to become a stronger and faster runner, to the 40-something husband who wants to improve his running form so he can continue to enjoy running triathlons with his wife. All these people and the others I've not mentioned are truly awesome individuals. Chances are I may not have ever met most of these people nor would have had the opportunity to impact their lives in a positive manner, had I not experience some change.

Would I go back to my previous life? Heck no! Am, I still scared of the future? Heck yeah! Am I excited about the future and what lies ahead? ABSOLUTELY!!

RunnerDude's Runner of the Week: John

If you've not joined the running community Athlinks, you really need to check it out. It's a great place to keep track of your race results not only for running but for triathlon, cycling, mountain biking, swimming and adventure racing. It's also a great way to connect with other endurance athletes all over the country and the world for that matter. Athlinks is how I met John Blewis, this week's Runner of the Week. John's story is an awesome story of rebirth. What he's accomplished in a little under a year is amazing. Read on to find out more about John and his story.

RD: Where are you from?

John: I am from Buffalo, NY originally, but now I live in sunny Southwest Florida, in a town called Lehigh Acres just outside of Fort Myers. My heart will always be in Buffalo though. You should never forget where you are from. Except during football season! Just kidding. I love that town. I am a big hockey fan so of course the Buffalo Sabres are my team. For those that follow hockey anyways.

RD: You've had quit a year. Tell us a little about yourself and how you decided to make such a huge change in your life.

John: I have a pretty busy schedule, since including running as a permanent part of my life. I am the General Manager of a large Glass and Aluminum Company in Fort Myers, FL. We do work all over the United States and the Caribbean. Not such a bad gig! I really love going to work everyday, the challenges of each day are always a little different and it keeps you on your toes. It is definitely a must to have a good attitude in my position and running has certainly helped me maintain that in many ways. I have also found great enjoyment in cooking, and take pride in building things with my hands and mind. It always gives you a sense of pride when you look back at what you have accomplished after you have completed it, just like finishing a great run! I have learned as I get older now, (36) how to appreciate life a little more. I have a great soul mate and two beautiful girls to help take care of , who inspire me to be a better man everyday. They are my rock in life!

-

Growing up in Buffalo as a little kid, I played Ice Hockey. I was a sprinter in track and field in High School, and thought the 800M was such a long race back then. I ran the 400, triple jump, long jump and the 200 a few times. Hockey was my sport however. After my senior year of High School I never ran again really!

-

Went to the military, got married, bought a house, had some kids, ate a lot of food, gained a lot of pounds, drank a lot of beer, smoked cigars and tried to do everything to destroy my body it seemed. This behavior went on for years and years until last January for me. I was working out of town in the Bahamas and was just inspired one morning to do something better with my life. I already had the "good job" and wife and house and kids, everything was great in life except for ME! I was not the person I knew I could be. I wanted something more out of life, something that made me proud of me, instead of the things that I have acquired in life. You know those things that you could replace if they were stolen or lost. We sometimes get caught up in the things we don't have in life instead of focusing on the things we do have in life. I was the perfect example of that.

-

So I decided that I was sick and tired, of being sick and tired! So I worked on myself. I changed my outlook on life, my health, my attitude and my focus. I started running that day in the Bahamas. I think I only went about a half a mile and it felt like 5 miles to me. When I got back to my condo out there I felt so good. It gave me a new feeling of accomplishment. It didn't matter to me how far I ran or how fast. Just that I finished my run.

RD: That trip to the Bahamas kind of provided the spark, but was there anything else that got you into running?

John: In mid May of last year a friend of mine was talking about doing a 5K and jokingly I said "I can do that!" I got some rolling of the eyes and stuff of course. You see I weighed 239 pounds last year in May. I am 6ft. I wasn't in good shape, but had some muscle still. Two weeks later I ran my first 5K. It took me over 30 minutes and I was ready to curl up in a ball and weep when I was finished. It was so exhausting. There were people running it in 15 and 16 minutes. I thought they were like Olympians or something. I was just so happy I was able to cross the finish line. The feeling is so exhilarating. I have been running ever since then. It has been almost a year of running for me now.

RD: What do you enjoy most about running?

John: For me I enjoy the long runs. It really helps me relax the mind and to relieve any anxiety that was built up during the week. I can just leave it all out on the pavement as I watch the sun come up on a Saturday morning, birds chirping and palm trees swaying softly from the light breeze as it cools my skin. It is just plain PEACEFUL!

RD: What are your favorite training foods? How has running affected your diet?

John: I love the pasta! Spaghetti and whole grain pasta is my favorite. Chili has be at the top of the list to. I love spicy food, but as a runner I felt I should cut back on that a bit before it catches up with me on the road. I have not done any of the "Fad" diets, as I understand nutrition better now that I have done my own research. A lot of great tips right here from you Runner Dude! It really is not rocket science. Burn more calories than you take in. I have just controlled my portion sizes and never touch carbonated beverages. I have seen may people try pills, diet plans, surgeries and others ways just to try and cheat the body into losing weight. Nothing keeps it off better than good old hard work!

RD: Are you a lone runner or do you run with some buddies? What do you like about each?

John: I am a lone runner for a couple reasons. It lets me think to myself instead of having to carry a conversation with someone. I need to focus on whatever I do. Now with that being said, I do have runs when I talk to a lot of people, usually on the longer ones. I like to make people laugh. Laughter is necessary in everyday life.

RD: What’s the funniest or oddest thing that’s happened to you while on a run?

John: Since I have only been running for 10 months or so, I have not encountered to many odd or funny things. Well, just a couple weeks ago I was doing my Tuesday interval run and this guy on rollerblades dressed up in full hockey gear, helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, stick and no jersey was barreling down the asphalt towards me. That was pretty odd! I actually saw him again this past weekend on my long run, this time just with gloves and stick. Still odd! Hey at least he was exercising! It was about 7:30am

RD: What’s your biggest running accomplishment? Why?

John: My biggest running accomplishment has to be the desire to start running! Since last May I have completed 7-5k's, 3-10k's, 1-10 Miler and 3 Half-Marathons. I have decided back in January of this year to train for my first full Marathon! I am running in the Buffalo Marathon, May 30th, 2010 which is exactly one year from my first 5k that I could barely finish. Training has been going really well. I have done numerous hours of research on how to run without getting injured and have followed a plan every step of the way. Luckily for me I have only encountered one hip ailment early on, and a measly blister on my heel once. Now do I recommend running a marathon within a year of running again. Not really! I have such a desire to accomplish something great! I am looking forward to crossing that finish line! All the hard work is going to pay off, I just know it!

RD: Do you have a favorite brand of running shoe? Which model? Why?

John: I have gone through 2 pairs of New Balance so far. One 769 model and the new 760 model so far. Just this past Saturday I went to the local Run Shop and they hooked me up with the Brooks Defyance. I Supinate slightly and am a mid foot runner. I thought of the Newtons but I figured now was not the time to really break in those shoes. I heard it could take a bit to get used to the technology. I plan on staying with the shoe that is the most comfortable no matter what the brand is.

RD: What’s your favorite race distance(s)? Do you have a favorite race you run each year?

John: My favorite race distance is actually the 10K. It is the perfect balance of speed and endurance. There are not too many of those in my area, though. One is actually coming up in a couple weeks here in Naples and Hal Higdon is going to be signing his books. Plus one of the coaches of the U.S.A bobsled Gold Medal team in Vancouver will be there. He is a local hero from Naples. I am just not sure if I should do it considering it will be my 11th week of training for the Marathon. What do you thing Runner Dude?

RD: Hmm...a 10K a month or so before your marathon, is probably fine. You could replace it for one of your tempo runs or one of your "shorter" long runs.

-

RD: If you were speaking to a group of non-runners or runner wannabes and trying to encourage them to run, what would you say?

John: We can all make excuses of why not to do something we should be doing, whether it be going to work daily, dieting, exercising, spirituality, calling family more often and of course others... but the choices we make right now will have implications on the rest of our life, positively or negatively. We need to take the effort and force ourselves to be better as humans. Our lives can be filled with joy or sorrow so why not live each day at its full potential. Open the door for someone, be the first to say hello when you pass by someone, smile more, help that elderly person at the gas station, call someone you have not talked to in a while just to say hi. We forget how simple life is in our busy lives. It will make you feel good to do little things like this and in the process you may learn to appreciate life a little more often.

RD: Open Mike: Share anything you‘d like about your running experiences, past accomplishments, goals, dreams….anything you haven’t previously shared.

John: I have had a lot of support from many people since I have started running. All whom have had made sacrifices in there own lives to help me better mine. I wanted all of them to know how much I appreciate everything they have done for me. It does not go unnoticed at all! I did have something exciting happen to me over the past couple months too. A writer from Time Magazine had a blog she put out about people running there first marathon so I replied of course and told her a little bit about my story. I had a 30 minute phone interview with her last month about it and the story is supposed to be published in the next magazine. TIME MAGAZINE!!!! I thought is was scam at first because things like that do not happen to me. I did my research on the reporter though and she is completely legit! She emailed me last week to let me know it is in proof reading and she will send me the link on the story as soon as it is printed. It is very exciting and a bit overwhelming.

RD: TIME, that's awesome! I'll be on the look out for your article. Hey, pass my name along to your TIME contacts. LOL! (Readers: [click here] to check out the TIME article on John!)

Well, I don't know about you, but John's story has helped rekindle my already steadfast love for running and fitness. To make such a huge transformation in just a year is incredible. I know John's family loved the "old" John, but is now extremely proud of the "new " John. Keep it up man, and I look forward to the Buffalo Marathon recap!

How Running Changed My Life: Amanda's Story

Amanda has a truly inspirational running-related journey to share. Like many, Amanda has discovered the importance of setting goals as well as the wonderful sense of accomplishment when you work hard toward those goals and achieve them. In her own words, here's Amanda's story:

How running changed my life? How hasn’t running changed my life is a better question. Let’s start from the beginning. January 2008 I walked into Weight Watchers weighing 276lbs. This is not the heaviest I have been but my brother was getting married in 8 months and I didn’t want to be the fat sister in all the pictures. My weight loss journey went well. By the time August came around I had lost 40lbs. I was still overweight but I felt much better about myself. Now that the wedding was over I was stuck. I thought; what next? I had a goal the first 8 months but now that I didn’t have something to reach for I didn’t know what to do with myself.

Around this time I came across the C25K program on the WW message board. The program intrigued me. Probably because my dad was a runner and I remember him running the NYC Marathon year after year. He was always super fit and loved to run. August 2008 I started week 1 of C25K. The program is 9 weeks long and it gradually increases your running up to 30 mins straight. You start with 60 second intervals of running and then walking. I wont lie the first week was pure torture. At 230lbs it was not easy. I kept with it and I completed the program October 2008. I signed up for my first 5k which would take place on Thanksgiving morning. At this point I was not running 3 miles yet so for the weeks after C25K and before the 5k I worked up to running 3 miles. It took me 45 mins but I couldn’t believe I was running! I ran the turkey trot in 39:02! I was so proud of myself. I ran the entire time!

Fast forward a little. I have run a bunch of 5ks and a 10k throughout the months. I decided that I would train for my first half marathon. I trained throughout the summer and I ran my first half marathon on October 11th. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. I wanted to cry several times during the race. I just kept thinking that a year ago I couldn’t run for 60 seconds and here I am running 13.1 miles! The best part is that I finished the race 25 mins faster then I expected! My finish time was 2:26:21!!!

In case you are wondering – I have continued to lose weight and I have lost a total of 98lbs to date. I know that if it wasn’t running I probably would have not lost this much weight. I owe my life to running.—Amanda

Go Amanda! You truly are amazing! Be sure to check out Amanda's Blog Manderz Journey to a New Life. Thanks for sharing your story, Amanda!

How Running Changed My Life: Kathleen's Story

Kathleen from Albany, NY has a great outlook on her running as well as life. Check it out in her own words:

"I Could Never."

As a vegetarian and long distance runner, I have heard those three words over and over for more than a decade. “I could never give up meat.” “I could never run that far.”

“I could never” a self-limiting excuse masked as praise. “I’m not able to do that yet” or “I don’t have the passion to commit to that” is what many people mean to say. By saying “I could never," they subconsciously shut down their potential by telling themselves they're not capable of achieving anything they put their minds to.

When I finished my half marathon I officially crossed “I could never”off of the list of things I say. I can choose a goal, and I can commit the time to achieving it. If I am passionate about my goal, I have the motivation to succeed.

For me, running a half marathon means “I could never” limit myself again.—Kathleen • Albany, NY

Kathleen, your story reminds me of a saying I used to hear as a kid, "Can't never could." You're exactly right. A person definitely puts himself/herself at a disadvantage when he/she says, "I could never." Sometimes when you set a goal, you don't make it, but that's a part of the learning process. If you never try, your never learn and you miss out on a whole lot of run along the way! You just proved my theory! I'm thinking we should change the old saying from "Can't never could." to "Can't always should." Thanks Kathleen!

How Running Changed My Life: Jordan's Story

Jordan, unlike many, realized at an early age he needed to change to a healthier lifestyle. But like so many, he also found that sticking to a healthy lifestyle is a life commitment. In his own words, here's Jordan's story.

Born and raised in Michigan, I was the “class clown” in high school, and my figure was Farley-esque. I even imitated the old Saturday Night Live Chippendales sketch during a high school talent show! In college, I never taught myself how to eat right, skipping breakfast every day, and stuffing myself silly at lunch and dinner. At one point during college, I had over 200 pounds packed onto my 5′6″ frame.

The extent of my cooking skills boiled down to… boiling pasta. Not knowing portion control, I used to eat an entire BOX in a sitting! Preparing for a summer vacation, I rode a bike and started running. Out of shape, all I could do was jog the straightaway on a track, then I would lose my breath and walk the curve.

During and after the vacation, I ate and drank all the weight back on. Once I got out of college, I worked a job as a door to door salesman, and had cheap fast food for lunch EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

In a job I hated, gaining more and more weight, things were not going well. I remember standing in my room after a shower one day, holding my enormous gut, thinking, “This is not good, and has to change.”

I realized I was wasting my life and would die prematurely if I kept up my ways. I began a new job, and during my lunch breaks I would jog around the office.

In October 2006, I ran my first 5k. I got hooked on the excitement and energy of a race, the feeling of accomplishment. I made it my 2007 New Year’s Resolution to run the Detroit Marathon. I stopped devouring huge meals, and instead devoured material on fitness.

Alternating days of cardio with free weights, along with bikram yoga and trying to learn to swim, the weight flew off. I learned how to cook, control my portions, and listen to my body.
By October 2007, I’d lost 45 pounds, and completed the Detroit Marathon, a crowning achievement for me.

Content with my accomplishment, I eased up on running. I partied hard, eating a “pre-game” meal (to “soak up” the alcohol), having my booze, and of course, the post-drinking meal (affectionately known as “late nite” or “4th meal”).

My performance began to slip at work, worse and worse each month, and at the end of January 2009 I was fired. I fell into a tailspin, deciding on a whim to move to Chicago, without any job prospects, direction, or motivation. For months I would go out, living off my unemployment and savings, trying to drink and eat my problems away. I considered myself the modern day Peter Pan.

The number in my bank account reached $0.00, the number on the scale reached 170, and I turned 25. I realized I didn’t have any control over that last number, but was fully responsible for the first two. I accepted the reality of my situation, and worked to change it. I began running again in earnest, and spent more time applying for jobs.

Slowly but surely, I am removing the nasty unhealthy habits that have snuck into my life, and replacing them with healthy ones. I have learned that it is often harder to keep lost weight off than it is to lose it in the first place. It is a challenge I fully accept. I have armed myself with a new list of goals to accomplish and races to run.

Settled into Chicago and beginning a new job in October 2009, it’s full steam ahead. I hope you follow along my trials, tribulations, miles and smiles from here to the Chicago 2010 Marathon!

Thanks for sharing your story Jordan! Health is a life-long commitment. It's tough at times, but you're well on your way to a long, healthy, and happy life. Kudos to you for your stick-to-it-ness!

How Running Changed My Life: Zoë's Story

As a daily blogger (well almost every day), I love reading the comments that the readers leave. For some frequent commenters, I almost feel as if we've become close running buddies. Cyber running buddies, I suppose. Zoë, is one such buddy. She always has an encouraging word to say and her comments are always so insightful. Like many, Zoë ran in high school, then after a tragic family event, the running stopped. Then, like many, Zoë returned. Here's Zoë's story in her own words.

This is a post that I have been wanting to write about for a while, but just couldn’t get myself to do it. I feel that today of all days is the perfect time to let this out. This is how “Run, Zoë, Run” ended a decade ago…then began again this year.

Ten years ago, I was 15 and just started my Junior year of high school--not only was I busy with school and x-country, but I was also newly elected as class president. It was going to be a great year.

-

It was a Friday, my mum and little sister sat on a picnic blanket at Lower Woodland as I ran in a 3A division cross country meet. My mum yelled loudly as I passed “Run, Zoë! Run!” and “Long strides, Zoë, long strides!” and I could hear her every time I ran near. She was a constant spectator at all of my sporting events, whether it was x-country or swimming, she was always there to cheer me on. I ended up doing better than I expected at this particular race, as it was my birthday weekend and I was turning 16 that Sunday. My friends “kidnapped” me by blindfolding me after the race and whisking me away for dinner at Red Robin and the football game afterwards. My mum was in on the plan the entire time and packed my letterman’s jacket and a sweater in her trunk for my friends to bring. I had no idea and the 16th birthday surprise was amazing.

-

My actual birthday was the fun part. My brother had come up from Oregon to celebrate and all four of my sisters were at our house too. All six of us kids, mum and dad, and of course our Burmese kitten Oliver were on hand for the party. It was rare to get us all together, but it was the best feeling when it happened. Mum made an applesauce birthday cake in her stone baking pan, and my big sister laughed as she juggled five half-gallon cartons of ice cream trying to open the freezer door with her foot. My family liked to be goofy and put on little dance parties, so of course we had to crank up the tunes and act like fools. It was the most perfect Sweet Sixteen.

Two days later, as I was rushing out the back door before I missed my school bus, mum called after me: “Love you! I’ll pick you up from x-country at 4:30!” Those were the last words I heard her speak. Only a few hours later, she was in a coma at the hospital after suffering from a ruptured brain aneurysm only God knew about…

Visitors came and went, as we had set up “camp” in the ICU waiting room. I snuck over to a different part of the hospital wing with my sisters, where there was a huge fish tank that had a cute puffer fish. Even through all the gloom of the hospital that puffer fish just smiled back at me, waving his little fins. To this day, I still love puffer fish and they make me smile every time.

Despite us all talking to her in that hospital room, telling her about the plans for the fun hats she would get to wear when she went home (the doctors had shaved a small portion of her head to insert a tube in her skull to release fluid), she went home to Heaven on September 22nd, 1999.

-

A week after her passing, there was a x-country meet at Lower Woodland again. I wanted to keep going on with everything as normal, especially running, because I knew that’s what mum would want. I ran the first mile of the race before collapsing in a blubbering heap in the middle of the trail. Fortunately for me, I had the best teammates & friends that a girl could ask for and they let me lean on them back to the starting line. It just wasn’t the same without the familiar “Run, Zoë! Run!” called in my direction.

-
So this is my story, and why my blog is named what it is—Run, Zoë! Run! I started running again last year because I missed the feeling of accomplishment after a great run or race, and I wanted to feel that connection to my Mum again. The pain is still there, even after all these years, but now—ten years later & more than ever—I can hear her cheering for me on the sidelines.

Zoë, I know your mom is proud of the strong and loving person you've become and I know she's proud your back at running too! Thanks for sharing your story! Be sure to check out Zoë's blog!

How Running Changed My Life: Ann's Story

This week's "How Running Changed My Life" posting dovetails perfectly with Saturday's post, "Older Doesn't Mean Slower!" Ann Singer is one amazing lady. In her own words, here's Ann's story.

Although I am called Grannie Annie by many, especially my beautiful granddaughter, Emma, I do have another life.

At age 50, overweight, under exercised, and wondering what I was going to do with the second half of my life until age 100, I decided to start walking. Oh I walked anywhere—to town, to the stores—give me a road and some time and off I would go. Running came later.

One day I asked my very athletic husband if someone so unathletic like myself could ever complete a marathon. He said "Yes!" And so for the next 15 years from age 50 to 65 I started my marathon quest. Thanks to the 50 states marathon club and many running organizations I traveled the country doing a marathon in each state. At age 65 in Maui, HI, I completed the 50 states quest. This November I will attempt my 70th marathon doing the town I love and live in—New York.

Each and every morning as soon as the sun comes up I go out and train. I run 5k's 10k's and Half Marathons to keep in shape. We have a "Swifty Sixties" club of men and women who compete with the New York Road Runner's Team in Central Park once a month. I also do weight training exercise as well as the Bosu and Stability Ball Core training.

My one big fault in life was I started many things, but never completed them. Well I can't say that for my marathons, because unless you cross the finish line you are not counted in the game.

At age 66, I can enjoy my three year old granddaughter to the fullest. Grannie Annie can push a stroller with the best of them—longer and stronger.

May all who read this know that by your diligent training you will ensure a life when you get older that is active, enjoyable and healthy. —Ann Singer, Suffern, New York

Thanks for sharing your story Ann! You Rock! We'll be rooting for you in November!

CHANGE—It's a Good Thing!

Many of you know that I'm about halfway through a pretty intense 6-month personal trainer and nutrition consultant certification program. It's all a part of my life-career change. Although, I've never really liked change, I've always handled it usually with a laid-back attitude. Change is going to happen, so you might as well get on board. I guess it comes from growing up as a PK (preacher's kid). My dad is a retired Methodist minister. When I was growing up, we moved about every 4-5 years. New church, new home, new school, new friends—Change. As a little kid I looked at it as an adventure, but as I got older, the change became harder to deal with. Stronger friendships ended or changed. Starting at a new high school is very different from starting a new elementary school. As the peer-pressures of the teenage years set in, the change was harder to deal with. But as with each move, I acclimated and ended up with experiences and life-long friendships that would never have occurred staying in one place.

My career change from the world of publishing into the world of fitness brings back memories of that change I experienced as a child. But, oh how exhilarating this change has been. While I loved my work in the field of educational publishing, I really haven't looked back or longed for that previous life. Oh yes, the security of that 9-5 job and the security of that bi-weekly paycheck is greatly missed, but now I'm focused on this new journey.

My fellow students in the certification program I'm currently immersed in are such an inspiration. They're living proof that change at any age can be a wonderful thing. Sharon (about 50), a mom of a teenage son and taking care of her elderly mom, is one of the fittest and most inspirational people I've met. What a role model she's going to be for us older wannabe fitness buffs. Bill is 52 and the survivor of a multitude of health problems including a liver transplant. He worked me over in a killer core routine the other day. Go Bill! Then there's Steve, 56 (like me) was laid off from a long career. Knowing Steve has proven to me that aging doesn't mean you have to be a stagnant couch potato. He's one of the most active people I know regardless of his age. Then there's Jen who is 40. Jen's a mom of two young children, but man can she give a killer workout! Johnathan who is 18 was my third assigned workout partner. This cool youngun taught me a lot about technique and really proved to me how focused, dedicated, and genuine the younger end of the population can be.

Change—It's going to come. Sometimes it comes when you least expect it like my job layoff. Other times you have to initiate the change—deciding to run a marathon, begin a fitness program, lose 50lbs. In either case you have a choice. You can embrace it and welcome it or you can resist it. Embracing change may be hard at first, but it's a lot better in the long-run than rebuking it. If it's a health- or fitness-related change, embracing it can make your goal so much easier to achieve.

Negativity can be very draining. It's amazing how just a simple attitude change can lighten the load. The first few weeks after being laid off, I was depressed both physically and mentally. Once I decided to embark on this new life-change and embraced it wholeheartedly, that depression lifted. I became energized.

Am I scared? Hell yeah! But, you know there's nothing wrong with being scared. I know I'm going to make mistakes, but being proactive about my own future is very empowering. I'm not sure where life is going to take me with my new career, but I have a hunch it's going to be an exciting life-long adventure.

Are you ready for change? Are you ready to start that fitness or running program you've been thinking about for years? Are you ready to drop those 25, 50, 100lbs? Are you ready to try that yoga class? Are you ready for a healthier lifestyle? Make the decision, embrace it, tell your family and friends about your goals and that you'll need their support. Then jump in with both feet. No looking back!