The written word is Dimity’s love language. So instead of flowers or even chocolate (!), the ideal 50th birthday present for Dimity should be a post in which our staffers and AMR community members share lessons they’ve learned from dear D. With no bow or gift wrapping, here’s a list of 50 nuggets—one for every trip she’s made around the planet. Many happy returns, Dimity!
She Inspires
Dimity taught me…
there is strength in community. —Kim D.
how to show myself grace. —Nicole A.
I can accept how life changes and focus on what I can still do. —Pat B.
seasons of “epic” are possible, but sometimes “good enough” is a win, too. —Jodi S.
it’s not taboo to talk about mental health and the need for anti-depressants. —Brooke T.
nothing is too small to matter when it comes to moving forward. One step leads to another, which leads to another. —Rebecca A.
when facing injuries that prevent me from running, my identity is not just wrapped up in running and motherhood. There is more to me than just running roads, trails, after kids, a household, a classroom…I am more. —Samantha H.
your body is wrinkled, so why wouldn’t your brain be as well? —Jamie T.
the power of honesty and speaking your truth. —Michelle S.
how to embrace every part of life with grace and humor. —Amy S.
She is Vulnerable
Dimity taught me…
the power of vulnerability in publicly mourning loss, then continuing to cheer, inspire and encourage others. —Emily S.
how strong it is to be vulnerable. —SBS
vulnerability and humor. It’s okay to cry, then to follow up and laugh about something ridiculous! —Audra J.
vulnerability is strength—that it’s okay to ask for help, accept help, and if needed, take a step back. —Casii D.
She Gives the Best Advice
Dimity taught me…
to not let someone else drive your pace in a race. You don’t know if that runner is having the time of her life or barely hanging on. Better run within yourself. —Courtney O.
sunscreen should be applied from the balls down (eyeballs that is). —Kelly K. C.
how to properly smack an a*s during a race! —Stacy I.
to respect that “stress on the body is stress on the body.” —Laurel S.
the importance of caring for and listening to my body. —Megan Y.
the importance of writing it down. —Liz W.
to be authentically yourself in leadership and coaching. —Mandy C.
it’s never too late to take up a new sport that pushes you both mentally and physically. —Katie S.
the BEST chocolate bar—which is the HU brand. —Maureen P.
how to write effectively about running. —Pam H.
with strength training, it isn’t about counting accurately, it is about doing what feels right. —Jodi E.
that miles are miles, whether you run, bike, swim, or walk. —Liz F.
the best dark chocolate peanut butter cups are at Trader Joe’s. —Brenda I.
not to take myself so seriously! —Jen H.
don’t think, just go. —Annette E.
She’s a Good Human
Dimity taught me…
to feel with my whole heart, to ask the best questions, and to listen completely. —Sarah W.F.
how to make everyone I interact with feel important. —Christy S.
how powerful it is to make women feel seen and heard every single day. —Ellie K.
genuine honesty, a sense of humor, and kindness never get old. —Jess H.
how to apologize and move on without taking it seriously. —Jen S.
She is Full of Resilience + Strength
Dimity taught me…
to face every challenge with grit and strength. —Kerry C.
how to be resilient. —Karen O.
you don’t need to be a runner to be a serious badass athlete. —Linda C.
I am actually stronger than I thought. —Cynthia V.
plan B can be as fulfilling as plan A! —April H.
I can do hard things. —Kristen G.
to keep striving toward big goals. —Anne E.
She’s a Cheerleader
Dimity taught me…
cheering for others is what makes this life so special. —Cathy E.
once a BAMR, always a BAMR: whether you’re walking, swimming, biking, lifting, or just being an overall badass! —Tami B.
I am a runner—no matter my size, my pace, my injury status, my training schedule. —Danielle L.
celebrate every finish line, regardless of the distance. —Leah W.
big goals are definitely worth showing up for. —Jill M.
to say: “I am running the half marathon” in full confidence, rather than saying “I’m ‘just’ running the half.” I will never say “I’m just…” to any race distance ever again. —Sara M.
to believe in myself, trust my training, have fun with each and every run! —Stephanie G.
cheering and supporting each other make us better and stronger! —Brandi D.
how to meet yourself where you are, then push yourself to go further. —Cortney S.
Happy birthday, dear Dimity! Share in the comments below what you have learned from Dimity over the years.
Just keep showing up! Happy 50th!!
Sometimes it’s 2 steps forward, one step back……just keep moving forward! Happy Birthday Dimity! Truly a wonderful inspiration to us all ! ✨😎✨
Happy birthday Dimity- you’re a true inspiration. Thank you for all that you and SBS do to nurture this running community.
Happy 50th Dimity!!! 🎂🎁🏊🏻♀️🚴🏻♀️🏃🏼♀️
I learned from Dimitry on how to be honest with yourself when your body isn’t doing what your mind wants to do. Her honesty of her journey inspires!!
Happy 50th Dimity!! Embrace your 50s!! They’re fab!!
I learned that the end of running does not equal the end. I didn’t really understand what that meant when I was able to run everyday, pain free. Alas a heel spur had different plans for me. Spur says to running, “Bye Felecia” and I quickly learned what it was like to lose the one thing that I was most passionate about. Through Dimity’s stories of her struggles, I learned that it was okay to grieve for this loss and through her biking, hiking, and swimming achievements, I learned that it does not have to be the end. Thank you Dimity and Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration to me and countless others.
Happiest of Birthdays, Dimity. You are an inspiration to many ❤️
Happiest of Birthdays, Dimity. You are an inspiration to many ❤️
Happy Birthday Dimity! I’m excited to see what badass accomplishments your 50s bring.
My favourite Dimity nugget is “Don’t think, just go”. Has helped me get out of bed on many cold, dark winter mornings. Happy Birthday!
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful daughter…she is all of that!!
Yes she is!
Happy Birthday! So glad you and AMR came into my life!
Welcome to the 50’s, friend! You are going to rock this decade!
I”ve been thinking of you Dimity leading up to this day! I was hoping that something would come out from AMR about your 50th. What an amazing journey you’ve been on! So fun to see all the comments from friends and followers! Have some Twizzlers today to celebrate!
Happy birthday Dimity! Thank you for sharing yourself with us. You are inspiration and the best cheerleader. Have a great celebration!
Happy 50th dear daughter Dim. So proud of who you are, and what do.
You are an inspiration to me!!! You are real and honest!! Happy birthday!!!!!
Happy Birthday, Dimity! Thank you for sharing the gift of your wit and wisdom — I was coaching Running Club last week and a 4th grade boy shared that his motto was “don’t think, just go!” — it made me smile — your inspiration extends so far and wide. Here’s to your best year yet ahead!!
Happy Birthday Dimity. You have inspired so many with your words. It has been amazing to watch this AMR community grow through your efforts. Although we haven’t connected in a few years, I hope that we can again in the future. Wishing you all the best!
Happy birthday, Dimity ! From you I learned that it was ok, and needed, to finally call myself a runner. I also learned to accept myself at whatever pace I’m going, injured or not, and never to compare my journey to anyone else’s. You are the best. Celebrate the whole year!
Happy birthday, Dimity ! You are strong and wise. thank you for all you do for this community.
Happy Birthday Dimity! You’ve got this– 50’s are nifty! This grandma runner has learned so much from you.
Happy birthday! You are always an inspiration!
Thank you for the many years you organized the Girls on the Run club at Highline Academy! You were so much fun to volunteer alongside and helped me develop a love for movement. Happy 50th!
It’s such an honor to get to strengthen up in the mornings with Dimity. Her honesty about how she’s feeling helps me be honest about how I feel…and then still get it done! I mean I could go on and on about how much her sweet and honest spirit inspires me. You are just a great human Dimity and we are all better for having you in our world. Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Dimity! So many things I have learned from you. You are truly an inspiration in defining one’s why and then redefining it as needed to make the most of the journey of life. Thank you for that!
Happy Birthday! I am a two months older than you and I can say that 50’s going great!
I learned from Dimity that sometimes your body is telling you something you don’t really want to hear, but that you have to listen too. And even if it’s scary, upsetting and frustrating, if you listen to your body you will be okay and find new ways to move.
So fun to celebrate YOU, Dimity, when you typically celebrate many other so well! Wishing this is the best decade for you yet. And I must add that your smiles in these photos bring me great joy!!
Welcome to your 50’s. I promise it’s not that bad. Happy birthday !
I feel seen and heard when I listen to Dimity. I deeply appreciate her openness and honesty. Happy 50th! Cheers!
Happy Birthday Dimity – with your vulnerability, humor, grace, and compassion you remind us that mother runners/athletes are strong AF! 💪
Happy birthday Dimity! Hope you enjoyed a fab celebration. Thank you for the many years of encouragement, inspiration and real talk! You’ve made a difference in the lives (and sporting lives) of some many mothers!
Happy Birthday, Dimity! I hope this is the BEST YEAR EVER!!!
I’ve taken to heart a lot of the nuggets above. My couple of favorites: Be proud of every finish line you cross and let your self celebrate…
Also, just get out there and go left, right, left right!
Dimity, you have always been so gracious and generous to encourage others during their difficult times and to cheer their accomplishments. Thank you for allowing us to do the same for you. You are the most authentic and genuine person I have ever met. That requires some vulnerability, which in turn requires integrity and strength. Happy Birthday, and you deserve all the love of the community that you have built. Many happy miles to you, no matter what form they are.
Happy Belated Birthday, Dimity! Hope you had a awesome day!
Thanks for being you! I have learned a lot from you, especially during the live morning workouts. Your positive energy shines through. You also teach us to be vulnerable and that is is ok. Thanks!
Happiest birthday! Thanks for sharing great guidance on the podcast over the years and sharing your vulnerability. Even though I don’t know you, you’ve taught me so much and been an inspiration.