And the Winners Are.....

A big CONGRATS to Kirbey from Georgia and Sabrina from Calgary, AB, Canada, winners of the "How Running Changed My Life" RoadRunner Sports $50 Gift Certificates! I'd like to thank all the participants for sending in their stories.

I'd also like to thank all the readers who submitted their "How Running Has Changed My Life" stories during 2009. From Amanda's 98lb weight loss to Angie getting back in shape after the birth of her second child to Zoë dealing with the death of her mom, to Adam proving to himself and his dad that he's a pretty cool runner dude, each story no matter how similar or different has been a true inspiration to me and the hundreds of RunnerDude's Blog's readers all over the country, even the world!

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Be sure to check out Sabrina's and Kirbey's stories as well as the other entrants' stories in the coming weeks! If you've missed some of the 2009 stories, just key-in "How Running Changed My Life" in the search box at the top right-hand corner of the blog and it will pull up the links to the various stories.

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The stories submitted for this drawing is a great start for 2010! But with 52 weeks ahead, there's definitely room for more of your awesome and inspiring stories, so keep 'em coming! All you have to do is share with me how running has helped you overcome a life challenge or obstacle? Maybe you know a friend with a story. Encourage him/her to send it in! Email your stories to runnerdudeblog@yahoo.com and be sure to put "My Story" in the subject line.

To you and yours on this very special day!

Everyday your visits and comments inspire me more than you can ever know to run and to write about running, fitness, and healthy living. You truly have become a part of the family. As 2009 wraps up, I'm excited about what 2010 holds for you, RunnerDude, and RunnerDude's Blog!

Your stories about how running has impacted your lives truly inspire me as well as hundreds of readers all across the country and the world. If you haven't submitted your story, please think about sharing it here on RunnerDude's Blog or if you know of a running buddy who has a story to tell, encourage him/her to share it too. To learn more about how to submit your story [click here].

Happy Holidays and Happy Running!
RunnerDude

Share Your Story!

I would like to thank all the readers who have submitted their "How Running Has Changed My Life" stories. Each story no matter how similar or different has been a true inspiration to me and the hundreds of RunnerDude's Blog's readers all over the country, even the world! Those of you that have submitted a story, you will probably never know how much of an impact you've made nor the number of lives you've touched and inspired.

If you've missed some of the featured stories, just key-in "How Running Changed My Life" in the search box at the top right-hand corner of the blog and it will pull up the links to the various stories.

With your help, I'd like to keep this regular feature of the blog going for 2010. All you have to do is share with me how running has helped you overcome a life challenge or obstacle? Maybe you know a friend with a story. Encourage him/her to send it in!

How To Enter:

All you need to do is email your story along with an attached photo (jpeg format) and/or a YouTube video link of yourself (suitable for posting on the blog) to runnerdudeblog@yahoo.com with the subject line "My Story" by midnight (EST) Thursday, December 31. Each email that's received will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win one of two $50 RoadRunner Sports Gift Cards! That's right two different names will be drawn and each will receive a $50 gift card! Each email will be assigned a different number based on the order that the emails are received. The winning number will be selected by The True Random Number Generator on Friday, January 1, 2010. What a great way to start off the New Year!

This is simply a drawing for the participants. The stories will not be judged in any way. Each week a different story will be featured on the blog. I look forward to reading, celebrating, and sharing your stories with all of the RunnerDude's Blog readers and seeing the powerful impact they'll undoubtedly have.—RunnerDude

How Running Changed My Life: Jerry's Story

Like many, Jerry thought his health was fine until the doctor gave him news otherwise. A little shocked and dismayed, Jerry found his way to running and better health. In his own words, here's Jerry's story.
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About 7 years ago, at age 57, I went to my doctor for a checkup. I always considered myself to be physically fit. I wasn't a jock by any stretch of the imagination, but always did something to work out; I am also obsessive. At this point in my life I had not been working out and had gained some weight. My doctor told me I was overweight and had borderline high blood pressure. He told me to come back in 30 days for another test. He said I should go on an exercise program and a low sodium diet and he would retest my blood pressure.

I was in shock. I did not want to be on medication. I walked into a bookstore and found a book about running. Now I had never been a runner. In fact, I never had any desire to run. I purchased the book, which showed a simple 13-week plan for a beginning runner. A walk run program. I started the program and went back to my doctor after 30 days. My blood pressure was no longer borderline high. It had dropped dramatically in only 30 days and I avoided medicine.

As they say the rest in history. I ran a marathon later that year in Bermuda and another last year in Philadelphia. I also ran a half-marathon in Brooklyn. This year I ran the ING New York marathon and raised money for the NYRR's foundation "Team for Kids". I am a member of a running club called North Jersey Masters and I run several races a month. I've run about 12 races in New York already this year including the Team Championships. Oh, did I forget to tell you that I am 64 years old? I have lost 30 pounds and most people say I look 45! I owe it to running. As I said, I am obsessive, but I do love running.—Jerry

Jerry, you are a true inspiration! I can think of worse obsessions to have than running. Your racing schedule is impressive and your fundraising at the same time for a great organization like Team for Kids, is awesome! Thanks for sharing your story.

How Running Changed My Life: Kathleen's Story

Kathleen, like many runners, had a previous life when running much less runner would not have even been in her vocabulary. Me run? Ha! Ha! Ha! But like many, Kathleen decided to turn her life around by losing weight. This lead to many more things for Kathleen. In her own words, here's Kathleen's story.

How has running changed my life? I always hated to run. I hated the side stitch. I hated the panting. Most of all I hated the pain (and embarrassment and street harassment) from bouncing without adequate support. So I didn't run unless I had to. Like when the gym coach was yelling at me or (much later, of course) needed to chase after my children.

The natural consequences of not running—aging, childbearing and about 20 years of eating (not so well)—were that I managed to go from being an unathletic, but generally healthy young person, into an obese 40-something.

I didn't plan on running; I did decide I was going to lose weight. After about 50 pounds of weight loss, during which I was walking (uphill, on the treadmill) for my exercise, I went to the doctor for a physical. He asked about my exercise, and I told him about my walking. He said, "Do you think you could speed it up a bit? Maybe run?" I'm thinking, "No frickin' way!" But the seed had been planted. I knew people who were runners. A few of them were just moms like me.

Around this same time, my weight loss stalled a bit. So, I figured—what the heck. I'll run. It might help. The first thing I did was experiment until I found a chest-binding system that actually worked (two bras, two T-shirts). Then I just got out there. At first, I couldn't run for even a quarter of a mile without stopping. So I jogged as long as I could. Then walked. Then jogged again. Instead of going fast and getting winded and then discouraged as I had done in the past, I started off slowly. I concentrated on time spent running, not worrying about the fact that I was going really slowly.

Within two months of starting running, I was able to run for 30 minutes straight. A few months after that, I could do long runs of more than two hours. I learned by reading books by John Bingham, Suzy Favor Hamilton and Jeff Galloway. And I'd read the running blogs, of course, even though most people who blog about running actually have some talent (or at least speed) at it. I, on the other hand, do not. I'm definitely a middle- to back-of-the-pack runner. But I love it.

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I love feeling my muscles ache and then strengthen. I love the layer of salt that covers me after a long run. I love the better sleep, the energy boost, the little endorphin rush that comes afterwards. Through running, I've also made peace with my body. Losing the amount of weight that I have (90 pounds) has shaken up my life in some ways, as I look dramatically better than I did before and that affects my interactions with others. But running lets me focus on the more important things about my body—what it can do.—Kathleen

90 lbs! That's amazing Kathleen! Kudos to you! And look at you now, running 2-hour long runs! That's awesome! Every time I have a salt-encrusted run, I'll be thinking of your determination and drive! Thanks for sharing your story! Be sure to check out Kathleen's blog!

How Running Changed My Life: Angie's Story

In a quest to get back in shape after the birth of her second child, Angie discovered a lot more about herself than just the need for fitness. Here's Angie's story in her own words:

I haven't always been a runner. In fact, although I certainly had the height and natural ability, I never played school basketball either because of one simple reason—there was too much running! Up until seven years ago, I was the quintessential non-runner. A slow jaunt to the mailbox and back was the extent of my running abilities and even that was overdoing it.

Two years after having my second child, I found myself motivated to get back into shape and lose the extra baby weight that was still (literally) hanging around. I started walking in earnest every day and lost about ten pounds. It was a good start, but I was eager and impatient. One day, while out for my walk, I did the craziest thing—I started running! Granted, it only lasted 30 steps before I had to stop, wheezing and gasping for breath. But those 30 steps were the start of something even I could never have foreseen.

What began as running simply for weight loss and recreation has turned into a bona-fide obsession. At the encouragement of a good friend, I ran my first 5K in June of 2005 and have been hooked ever since.

I was bitten by the marathon bug in June of 2006. I trained for five months, pounding the pavement every week for hours on end through the worst of winter conditions and constant nagging aches and pains. When I crossed the finish line four hours, twenty-six minutes and fifty-four seconds after the starting gun went off, I was utterly exhausted but absolutely triumphant. Once out of the way of the crowd, I fell to my knees, held my head in my hands and sobbed, knowing I had just accomplished something extraordinary by all standards.

After enduring a spate of minor injuries and staging a comeback, I ran my second marathon a year later. As I crossed the finish line, once again overcome with exhausted elation, I realized how much I love running long-distance. I'll never be a speedster and will probably always place somewhere in the middle of the pack, but whether it's a local 5K or another marathon, I'm always planning my next race. To date, I've finished seven half-marathons and four full marathons... with many more to come in the future!

My family and friends are a huge support, of which I couldn't do without. But truth be known, I don't run for anyone but myself. I run to test my body. I run to clear my mind. I run to embrace my emotions. I run to celebrate my life.

It's what I do. It's what I am.—Angie

Angie, I too run for myself, to test my body, to clear my mind and to celebrate life. Running keeps me fit and more importantly—sane. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome story! Be sure to check out Angie's blog—Tall Girl Running.

How Running Changed My Life: Sara's Story

Running is a big part of Sara Cox Landolt's life. Just this summer she earned USA Triathlon’s Level 1 Coaching certificate. Read on to find out how it all started back in 3rd grade.

I made my track debut in the third grade at an all-city co-ed track meet. It was the type of meet where anyone could sign up and kids got a free Orange Crush t-shirt for participating. My sister Sue and I tried a few events; we were already there, so why not enter multiple events, even if we had no idea how to long jump.

My dad suggested I run the 400, one-time around the High School track. Before the race he gave me some coaching advice.

“Now, the other runners are going to start out fast and get tired—they could burn out. I want you to run a steady pace, saving energy for the whole lap,” he suggested. I watched his face, listened seriously and agreed, determined to run the race correctly.

The gun fired and right away the kids around me sprinted, leaving me head down, heart pounding, jogging around the first arc of the oval-shaped track. Within seconds, my dad, who was filming the race, could no longer keep all the racers in his viewfinder. Instead, he panned down the track to the other runners getting farther and farther ahead. Then back to me, my eyes searching, feet plodding along, alone. Watching the film now, you can tell he’s trying not to laugh audibly. And watching it now, I laugh, loudly.

That simple race in my terrycloth shorts and wornout sneakers lasted minutes, but felt longer. I remember rounding the other end of the oval, almost done, and thinking I should keep running out of the stadium and get out of there? But, I stuck it out. I kept going and somehow passed a girl, maybe she had asthma, finishing in time to take third place of the girls. I made the choice to keep running and was handed a white ribbon.

Persistence and old-fashioned stubbornness got me once around a 400-meter track. With twenty-some years of character-forming life experiences I hoped my feet would later carry me across my first Ironman finish line tape. What would it take to get there?

Learn more about Sara's adventures with running, triathlon and life at www.ironmakeover.blogspot.com. Sara also volunteers as a moderator in active.com’s triathlon community, stop by and say hello. http://community.active.com/community/sports/triathlon Thanks Sara!

How Running Changed My Life: Molly's Story

Molly is a wife and stay-at-home-mom of two who left the wilds of NYC for the wilds of Central NY. She loves to cook, read, and be outside. She says her day is not complete without some chocolate, or better yet, some white wine. Sounds like Molly and RunnerDude could be good friends! Better yet she's a runner. Here's Molly's story in her own words.

I've always been active, but like most people I caught the running bug during an effort to lose weight. I was out of college, living on my own, homesick, worried about being in the real world. I was really not taking care of myself, I ate too much of the wrong things, and spent the weekends at happy hours and parties.

Finally one New Years Eve I decided to make a change, bought some diet and exercise books, and joined a gym. I started slowly on the treadmill, I wouldn't look at myself in the mirror or talk to others. But I went back every day, and did a bit more each day. I would bargain with myself and challenge myself, by running farther each day, or faster. All through the winter I did it, and by early summer, I lost 12 pounds. It was time for a new challenge, running outside. I did the loop around the neighborhood that I used to walk.

I still remember the day I ran a whole six miles, to the Reservoir and back. I couldn't believe it! I started running six miles a day. I still couldn't believe it! I decided to test myself some more and do a 5k. Then a 10k. This past July I did the Utica Boilermaker 15k run, for the third year in a row! Just last month, I did the unbelievable, I ran my first half marathon Half Marathon!

I love to run. I run because I can. I run for other people who cannot run. I run for the challenge. I run for me. I've got "the marathon" in my sights. I'll get there, someday. —Molly

Thanks Molly for sharing your story!! Be sure to check out Molly's blog—I'm A Sleeper Baker.

How Running Changed My Life: Ron's Story

I got to know "Ron the Runner" through Twitter. He's a man of few words, but he has such an awesome story to tell, that I asked him if he'd share it with you. In his own words, here's Ron's story.

My name is Ron. I decided in June it was time to get back in shape. After losing my wife to cancer, I spent a good year just sitting on my ass drinking all day. I knew how upset she would be to see me that way so, I stopped drinking, stopped smoking, stopped drinking soda, etc.. I have since lost 42 pounds and taken up running, so far I am horrible at running, my best run so far has been one mile, but I keep trying, eventually I will get to the point I can run 5k, hey maybe...—Ron Kops

Ron sent me his story back on August 30th. In just a month, not only did Ron surpass his 5K goal, he ran his first 10K (The Alminians 10K) this past Saturday! Here's Ron's posting about his newest running accomplishment on his blog—Ron The Runner: From Couch Potato to Runner.

"I didn't get the sleep I wanted the day before, Only had about 3 hours in two days. It was cold raining and a 2 hour drive away. I was questioning WTH I was thinking getting into this ! It was a fairly small race not a lot of people there. I was really nervous, I don't at all think of myself as a runner. I don't even run outside unless I have to... It was a very narrow course, I think I ran faster just because of that, defiantly my fastest time. Sadly my knee and groin are paying for it now ! but I did win entry into next years race series. so I can look forward to the same pain next year"

Ron now has the VASA Trail 10K in Michigan as his next quest to conquer. You da man, Ron! Keep up the great job! Rest assured your wife is very proud of you and your accomplishments!

How Has Running Changed Your Life? Share Your Stories With RunnerDude!

The "How Running Changed My Life" posts that have been featured each week have been a great success! I want to thank all those who have contributed their amazing stories! The readers have spoken and they want to hear more of your amazing stories!

So...tell me how running has helped you overcome a life obstacle. Email your story along with an attached photo (jpeg format) and/or a YouTube video link of yourself (suitable for posting on the blog) to runnerdudeblog@yahoo.com with the subject line "My Story" by midnight Saturday, October 17. Each email that's received will be placed in a drawing for a $25 RoadRunner Sports Gift Card! Each email will be assigned a different number based on the order that the emails are received. The winning number will be selected by The True Random Number Generator at Random.org on Sunday, October 18.

This is simply a drawing for the participants. The stories will not be judged in any way. The winner of the drawing will have his/her story posted first and then a different story will be posted each week thereafter in the order that the stories were received. Submitters will receive an email from RunnerDude announcing when the stories are posted so they can tell all their friends and family to check it out.

I look forward to reading, celebrating, and sharing your stories with all of the RunnerDude's Blog readers and seeing the powerful impact they'll undoubtedly continue to have.

How Running Changed My Life: Mel's Story

Mel has been a loyal reader of the blog for several months and I always enjoy her comments. Mel has an amazing 2nd-chance story of of how she regained her life from mysterious seizures. Here's Mel's story in her own words.

Running. It was always an ugly word for me as a child. For me, there was nothing positive or fun about running. What could be so fun about breathing heavily, working up such a sweat, and travelling a distance that should be done by a vehicle. I remember my dad running when I was a child and have very faint memories of him running a marathon in 1982 at the age of 32. His athletic genetics certainly weren't passed down to me; my mom and gym teacher would probably agree.

As an infant, I had two febrile seizures induced with high fever. I was on medication until I was 5 and had no other seizures. So, by all accounts, I was fine, and I came off the medication. No other issues, or complications, I was no different than anyone else.

My son was born in 1998, when I was 20. He's my little miracle, as he was conceived while I was on birth-control, but I believe he had a reason for being here, and am so thankful everyday that he's in my life. When he was a year old, I was just going back to work from maternity leave, and going through difficulty in my relationship, and ended up being a new first-time-single-working mother, at 21. All of this combined was enough to make my seizures come back with a vengeance. At first, I didn't understand what was happening, as my two previous seizures occurred as an infant. I went to my doctor, described what was going on, and he immediately contacted the Ministry of Transportation and had my drivers' license taken away. Don't feel sorry for me, all of these experiences have made me the person I am today—better than before, taking nothing for granted, strong, positive and determined.

Seizures quickly became as much a part of my daily routine as brushing my teeth in the morning, sometimes reaching 30 or more per day. Over the next 2 years, five medications later, including an allergy to one of them, three doctors, a battery of tests, disability from work, and having to take a bath with someone in the bathroom for fear of drowning, I was given a glimmer of hope that life would return to normal. I was told that the cause of my seizures was likely stress-induced, and that I was a good candidate for surgery. My right temporal lobe had turned into a 3 inch long mass of scar tissue, and with removing this, I'd have an 80% chance of being seizure-free! The other statistic was a scary one—20% chance that I may not wake up, or remember my friends, or worse, my family. I didn't even contemplate the decision, Sept 12, 2001 was my surgery date. I wrote a letter to my son, who was almost 3 at the time, to let him know how special he was to me in the event that I wouldn't be able to express it to him post-surgery.

It was like the doctor went in and flipped a switch. I used to count in days being seizure-free, but am now counting years! This September, will be 8 years since my last seizure! I've experienced some memory loss during those years (sadly, I have to rely on pictures for a lot of my son's first.... like his steps, etc.), but a small sacrifice to have my life, freedom and independence back, and being able to take a bath by myself! :)

I had also been a smoker (a very bad habit I had), but something clicked in late August, 2005. I had my "awakening moment" when Peter Jennings passed away of lung cancer, and less than a week later, Dana Reeves was diagnosed with lung cancer, and didn't even smoke! What the heck was I doing! I've had life changing brain surgery, and I'm smoking? I picked my quit date, Sept 6th, and stuck to it. Since I was mentally prepared for the challenge ahead, and had amazing reasons to quit, I did.

Like many have experienced, I started gaining a bit of weight. Although I exercised sporadically, it wasn't enough. Working with computers, being a stats-oriented person, a gadget-girl, driven by visual results, and technical, I spotted the Nike+ iPod kit on May 5, 2007, and have been running since! I never thought that running would become an addiction,! After the first few runs, I called my mom to let her know, and she was in shock. In fact, last summer, when I went out to visit her, I went for a run. I'm still convinced that she drove along the previously discussed route to see if I was "actually" running. After a few months of running, when I was really starting to get more into it, I picked up a Garmin, showed my dad all my running gadgets, and he was shocked at how much times have changed since his running days.

In just over 2 years, I've done some 5k's and 10k's, a 15k, a Half-Marathon, and a 30k. I'm happy knowing that I left everything out there during my marathon attempt this past Mother's Day, even though it just wasn't my day. Now I'm training for a triathlon!! Running for me is a way to keep stress levels under control and my head clear, as well as do and see things I never thought I'd ever achieve! I remain committed to never letting stress ruin or control my life again. —Mel in Canada

Mel, you truly inspire me. I can't wait to see what other running and life goals you conquer! Be sure to check out Mel's blog Second Chances.

How Running Changed My Life: Carol's Story

Once suffering from depression and anxiety, Carol used running to improve her mental and physical health. Here's Carol's story in her own words.

My official 2 year "running anniversary" was on April 19th. I celebrated, of course, by running my second full marathon. I have now run a total of four marathons and am training for an ultra. The week I decided to become a runner, I also stopped taking anti-depressants. I truly believe that had it not been for running, I would still be suffering from depression and anxiety and never able to live without medication. Now, when things get tough, I grab my shoes and go for a run. Nothing feels better to me. I have also experienced many health benefits such as a 35 pound weight loss and a healthy heart. Running has shown me that I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to and that I don't ever have to feel alone. I have made so many life-long friends who share my passion. Running has truly changed my life for the better. —Carol King (a.k.a. TrailGurl on Twitter) St. Louis, MO

What a great life-change Carol has made for herself! And all those marathons! You go girl! Keep it up!

Jesslyn Cummings from About.com says... "Aside from just the stress relief, jogging has also been proven to improve attitude. Running, especially outside and on trails, creates a release of endorphins that can cause euphoria (runner's high) or just a general sense of happiness. Running has been used for years to treat clinical depression and addictions of all kinds. Less tension, less depression, less fatigue, and less confusion are just a few of the changes that patients have seen after beginning a regular running program. Running gives something for them to focus on, allowing them to see something besides their depressed state or addiction.

Along that line, running can help train the mind as much as it trains the body. By making yourself overcome the obstacles that running brings, you learn focus and determination. The will and strength that gets your body through long runs or those runs you'd much rather skip is what in turn strengthens your mind and gives you focus and determination in other areas of your life." To read Jesslyn's Cummings' full article [click here].

Thanks for sharing your story, Carol!

How Running Changed My Life: Noah's Story

The following is the awesome story of Noah's amazing transformation from overweight, sedentary dad to marathon-running; boot-camp workout member; and flag football, soccer and T-ball coach. Oh yeah, did I mention he also lost 60 lbs in 5 months! Here's Noah's story in his own words.

Six years ago when my wife was pregnant it was one of the happiest times of my life, it was also the time of my life that I gained the most weight. During that time I ballooned to 255 pounds (at 5’ 6” that is a lot of weight to carry around).

When my son turned two I decided to try to get back in shape. I tried working out, but I found that all I was doing was exercising to eat. I dropped a few pounds, but most of it came right back.

Two years ago at 235 pounds and 36 years old (and after running the Cooper River Bridge 10k in 1 hour and 17 minutes) I made the choice to eat right and start seriously running.

I am now working out with the a boot camp group three days per week and I run on my own three days per week (I only take a day off because everyone tells me I have too). In February of 2008, I had dropped my weight to 164 pounds (it is July 2009 and I still weigh the same). My Body Fat went from 31.2% to 13.9%; my triglycerides went from 235 to 34; and my waist shrunk from 46” to 31” - my waist is smaller now than when I was in high school!

So with all this in mind, I ran my first marathon on Saturday, February 14, 2009 in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , and finished! It was an amazing experience. I trained for this race for several months, Jen (my wife) and Peyton (my five year old son) helping me on all of my long runs (14, 16, 18 and 20 mile runs) and supporting me throughout my training. What a great team!

The start was a little chilly at fifty degrees. Jen and Peyton woke up with me at 4:30am (they had been such troopers putting up with my need to sign up for so many races over the past two years). They drove me to the starting line where I waited with six thousand other runners and walkers. I found a nice warm spot with about twenty other runners next to a generator until the start of the race. At this point I was feeling nervous, but really happy. I talked to this guy who was running his ninety-ninth marathon. When I told him that this was my first marathon he acted more impressed than I did when he told me how many he had run. What a crazy bunch of people I have joined...

Miles one through five were perfect, not too fast and not too slow. Miles six through ten felt great - I was a little ahead of my pace. I was thinking to myself that this is a piece of cake! Miles eleven through thirteen were wonderful. Mile thirteen was a little hard as the runners of the Half Marathon approached their finish line (this is a little daunting when you know you have another half to go). Fourteen and Fifteen seemed fine and I was now counting down the miles (only eleven miles to go!).

At mile sixteen the first sign of trouble hit; my left calf started to cramp. I kept thinking, "This is not happening.” I slowed a little and the cramp seemed to go away. Just then I hit mile seventeen. I could see Jen and Peyton standing in front of our hotel waiving and smiling. What an incredible feeling that was. I was filled with so much joy. Jen came out and gave me a quick hug and kiss. Peyton watched me with big bright eyes and it made me feel like a hero! This was the best.

Miles eighteen through twenty were getting hard. I felt great from seeing Jen and Peyton, but I was worried about the cramps. I drank and ate everything I could throughout the race, but it was not enough. At mile twenty-one my legs cramped up again. This was the worst pain I had ever felt. It felt like marbles were rolling around in my calves. I slowed down and I tried to change strides, but nothing seemed to help. As I came to mile twenty-two I was thinking "Why did I do this? What is wrong with me? What made me think I could do a marathon?" It was at this point that I felt that I could go no further; I wanted to quit. I saw the first aid station and as I passed it, another runner asked me if I need to go back to get checked out. I made the decision to go on. I knew that if I stopped I would never be able to continue running (this is how I have felt for the past few years as I dropped a over ninety pounds – if I stopped, I would never be able to get going again).

Miles twenty-two through twenty-four are a blur. I know that I was thinking about Jen and Peyton waiting for me at the finish line. I was thinking about all the work I had put in for this race and the support Jen had given me while I went running for hours at a time. Then I saw it - the marker for mile twenty-five. At this point I knew I could finish the race. Time did not matter anymore; it was all about finishing the race.Mile twenty-six flew by until I saw the final shoot for the last two tenths of a mile. I had no idea I would be so emotional about finishing this race. Then I heard my name over the loud speaker and at the same time I saw Jen and Peyton waiting for me at the finish line. Jen had tears in her eyes and that sent me off the deep end. This was, at once, one of the most incredible and most painful moments of my life.

Finishing the race in four hours and twenty-seven minutes was not the goal I had originally set. But the feeling of accomplishment, pride and joy of finishing the race was better than anything I could have ever imagined.

That race was a few months ago and my decision to make this commitment was over two years ago. My whole family is healthier. The last time we ordered pizza was for the Super Bowl (this is a big improvement from when the pizza guys new us all by name). I am now able to coach my son’s sports teams (so far it has been flag football, soccer and now T-ball). We are taking a family vacation to DC in October for the Marine Corps Marathon. I am running the marathon, my wife is running the 10k and my son is running the 1 mile kids run!—Noah from SC.

What an awesome story. I know Noah's family and friends are so proud of his transformation. The best thing out of all of this is that now he'll be able to coach his son's teams for many more years to come. Maybe even the grandkids! Be sure to check out Noah's blog—Moore On Running.

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!

How Running Changed My Life: Adam's Story

Adam has been reading the blog for a while and I always look forward to his comments. I also enjoy reading his blog. In Adam's own words, here's how running has changed his life:


Running has changed my life in more ways than would be immediately apparent.

First, of course, on the surface I am more fit and have more energy to do the things that I am passionate about. But, digging deeper, I have really taken to taking care of my body. Not spiritually in the "treat your body like a temple" aspect, but more along the mechanical lines of "your body is a machine - garbage in, garbage out". I've found that if I have a long run upcoming the next day, I'll take better care to make sure that I am doing the right things. My first hungover 10+ mile run taught me that lesson very VERY quickly!

Next, in my ever busier life, running has become ME time. I am always doing something for everyone. Having a set running schedule gives me 10 hours a week to think through everything that is happening without the need to 'filter' out life's annoyances. If I want to think through an issue at work while running, I can do that. If I just want to listen to my footfalls and breath in and out, that is just fine too. Either way, I make the decision. If anything, in a life that offers me few decisions that are truly mine, running allows me to take control and dictate what, where, and for how long I go.

Finally, running has given me something to be proud of. I still never get tired of hearing someone ask "what did you do this weekend?" only to see the shock on their face when they learn that I ran 8 miles on Saturday and 15 miles on Sunday. Growing up, I was not a very athletic (or quite honestly very 'talented') person. I played no sports and participated in limited activities through school. (Go marching band!) Now that I am running, my dad has something to brag to his buddies about and I have an easy connection to hundreds of other bloggers who also share in my goals, successes, and more importantly, my failures.—Adam from Arizona
When I read Adam's story, I couldn't help but smile. You see, even though I'm a lot older than Adam, I could relate to his story on a lot of levels. When I was a preteen, I too was not very athletic. In fact, I was overweight (my biggest accomplishment was eating a twin bag of Lays potato chips in one sitting). I too was in the marching band. But like Adam, today running is a part of me. Keeps me fit and sane. Thanks Adam for sharing your story!

How Running Changed My Life: and the Winner Is...

Congratulations to Thomas Tan who was selected by the True Random Number Generator as the winner of the $25 RoadRunner Sports Gift Card! Thomas is a Principal Scientist in Oncology Research at a major biopharmaceutical company. He currently resides in Newcastle, WA with his wife, Quyen, and three sons, Nicholas, Caden and Tristan.

I'd like to thank all the runners who sent in their stories. Each email was unique and wonderfully inspirational. Over the next several weeks I'll be posting the submitted stories. Since Thomas won the Gift Card drawing, I'm featuring his story first. In his own words, this is how running has changed Thomas' life.

I never really liked or enjoyed running. I always seemed to run out of breath doing so. I started running in 2005 out of guilt and remorse. We received heartbreaking news that my grandma had passed away. We lost her to cancer. I was very close to my grandma and regretted missing the chance to say good-bye. Worst, I couldn't help but feel like a loser. I was ashamed to be a cancer researcher.

I went through a difficult grieving period, and spent most time in my laboratory at work. I became even more determined than ever to help find a cure for cancer, but I was frustrated by slow progress and politics at work. I came home mostly depressed, and sadly, withdrawn from my family. I felt like a lost soul, until my good friends, Kuldeep and Eddie, introduced me to running. It was a major turning point for me. I ran the Chicago Marathon in October 2005 in memory of my grandma.

My first marathon ignited something within me that I never knew existed--I really enjoyed long-distance running. And the pain that I experienced was strangely a good kind of pain and addictive. It also gave me a connection to my grandma somehow, like she was watching. In 2006, I ran 12 marathons to celebrate my grandma’s life. I have never stopped running since.

Running not only provides me an avenue to reconnect with my grandma, it in turn reminds me to stay on course and focus on my job. As a cancer drug discovery researcher, I know first hand that it takes many years to develop a drug. The battle with cancer will continue and it will be long and challenging, but just like running, I know we will eventually get to the finish line. —Thomas