Why I run....

Why I run....

I've been thinking for a long time about writing a new post to opine on where I'm at currently which, to put it simply, is the best place I've ever been in my life.  As most of you know, I'm half way through training for my first marathon in December with two more to follow in Austin and Vancouver.  Even typing that is odd when placed within the context of where I started.  I'm happier and more proud of myself than I have ever been.  I never thought I would be here even though I always dreamed about it...This coming Saturday I will be running 16 miles with my running group and I will cherish every single minute of it.  Indulge me for a bit while I free flow a seemingly random string of thoughts as to why I run and what I am grateful for...

I'm in the middle of a journey that I never knew I could take because I was scared to take the first step.

I'm in the best shape of my life.

My friends and family are proud of me.

I don't have anxiety anymore.

I've met some amazing friends along the way who share my passion rather than mock me like people who I assumed were my friends before.

I tear up when thinking about seeing my mom at the finish line December 9th in Dallas after my first 26.2.

I run for my best friend Troy who passed away in 2006.  There hasn't been a run yet where his memory hasn't helped me push myself to keep going.

My dad is proud of me.

I can finally call myself a runner, not just a guy who runs.

I appreciate those who set a difficult goal and set out attaining it. Before this, I would set a goal and casually toss it aside when it was no longer comfortable.  Screw that.

If nothing else, I hope the fact that I am taking this journey might inspire someone else to have the courage to look at theirself in the mirror and commit to making that change they have been putting off forever, setting that goal and reaching it, choosing the path of more resistance or striving to get out of that rut.  I hope this post doesn't come across as bragging because that is nt my intent at all.

I was once told I would never be a man.  I am proud to say that I stand here today a man that I am very proud of and someone that I hope my friends and family are proud to know.  

Boom.

JM