I Run to Empower

Well, today is National Running Day, which is held annually on the first Wednesday of June.  Today is a day where runners everywhere proudly proclaim their favorite pastime. There's even an official website (http://www.runningday.org/) where you can locate local running events, group runs, and even snag your own National Running Day Badge:

I never would have thought I'd catch the running bug.  Despite the encouragement of one of my high school's track & cross country coaches to come on out for a run (she literally pestered me all 4 years of high school), I was adamant that I despised, in fact hated, running.  I can't even count how many times I've declared that I will never run. 

Fast forward 14 years to the Spring of 2011, which is when my attitude toward running changed forever.  I caught the running bug mostly due to curiosity.  I thought I'd give running a try, and although I hated it for the first 6 months or so, eventually it grew on me, and when it did, there was no going back.  And here I am in 2013 training for my first half marathon (this ones for you Coach Garrison!).

Running is my time to clear my head and regain balance.  It's where I challenge myself, and insert adventure into my day.  Sometimes it's a social endeavor (**High Five** to my running buddies!). You just never know what any given run will bring.  There's lots to see: flowers, sunsets, neat cloud formations, and let's not underestimate the people (ahem, Too Short of Shorts Running Man). 

For me running is what reminds me that anything is possible.  I use running to not only empower myself, but also to empower others, and to raise awareness about causes which are close to my heart (plug website for cause here: http://amandapdxrunforcongo.wix.com/teamcongopdx).  I'm not alone in this, collectively in the last 20 years runners have raised over a billion dollars for countless causes (http://www.runningday.org/charity/make-a-difference-on-national-running-day). 

Of course not everyone can run, and you know, that's the neat thing about the running community.  Most running events welcome walkers, wheelchair runners, and even sometimes our furry friends.   And, personally, my hat's off to those who are coordinated enough to run while pushing your little one in a jogging stroller--I mean seriously, sometimes it's all I can do to get my two feet across the finish line, let alone four additional wheels!

So, whether you're a casual or super fanatic runner, today is for you!  So, what in the heck are you waiting for?  Lace up and get out there!


My running partner & I sprinting to the finish at the 2012 Red Lizard 5 Miler