The Definition of Inspiration

Yesterday ended up a lot cooler than I thought it was going to be. I didn't really want to run as I have not been running outside in the cool and haven't had a chance to get my body accustomed to it. As I was contemplating whether or not to go for my "long" run, I started sharing a story with the aid who was here to help with Chris.

I was telling her about a story I read. It was about an athlete, Fred Duling who had run a particular Thanksgiving Day race for 51 years in a row. But last year right after T-giving he had an accident in which he broke his back. He spent most of the year in hospitals and rehab units. the injury left him paralyzed from the waste down. But you know what? He is doing the race this year in his wheelchair!

His daughter will be running with him to help push him up the hills. I was like - wow! What tenacity! As I was telling the story to the aid, I realized how wimpy I was being. So I went and put on my warm running clothes and headed out the door!

I did not feel shamed for being lazy; and I didn't feel bad. I just knew that if he could have the heart to continue I could too! I have to say that Fred Duling is an "inspiration" to all of us - there is never a place to give up! For today - keep running! Check out his story on Runner's World.

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