Finding Inspiration

Lately, it seems, you can run a race for just about any cause. There are races across the country where you can raise money for organ donation awareness or breast cancer research. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has training groups nationwide. You can join the Livestrong Team or the Huntsman Hometown Heroes and compete in races just about anywhere.

These are all great causes and I’ve run for a few of them myself.

2009 Columbus Half Marathon – Team in Training2012 Dash for Donation – Team Superman

Some of these causes have touched my life more than others, and I’m thrilled to have an outlet to share those stories. You’ll likely hear about them soon.

2012 SLC Marathon – Huntsman Hometown Heroes

I’ve found that my inspiration comes from people. People that stir something inside me. Stories that give me chills. Stories of both loss and gain. Losing and winning battles. And sometimes both.

You’ve already heard how Jeff Galloway changed my opinion of running forever. But he’s not the only one.

Just yesterday, on Twitter, I made a passing comment about Bart Yasso’s appearance at the upcoming Walk Disney World Marathon Weekend festivities. I have his book , My Life on the Run, and would love to get it signed. It’s a great read…real experiences from a down-to-earth guy, and funny to boot. And he responded that he was “happy to sign my book” and “looking forward to our photo.” I’m not ashamed to admit I was a puddle on the floor.

Did Bart Yasso just “speak” to me?

Like I need an excuse to be more excited? I already can’t concentrate on anything for more than a moment. I said earlier if it’s not Goofy-Challenge-related, I’m not paying attention.

Inspiration works both ways. I find I am both inspired to run, and inspired by running. And on that note, I’ll leave you with this:

Running inspires creativity, relieves stress, and gives us insight into ourselves and the world, making the human condition more tolerable. -Bart Yasso

What’s your inspiration to run? And what does running inspire you to do?