Today’s guest blogger is a “fastionista” many of you already know: Tonia Blanchet, a mom of three girls living in Virginia, who was pictured in the Runner’s World feature SBS wrote. Tonia is training for the New York City Marathon. Find her at http://racingwithbabes.blogspot.com and @tmbrunnerfirst on Twitter.
“I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never give up, no matter what else happened.” - Wilma Rudolph
Did you ever consider why you started running? We all have our reasons. Maybe, you wanted to lose weight or find yourself. Maybe you wanted to get away from it all or check something off your bucket list. For me, it was a combination of all those things and a million other reasons, too. In fact, the “whys” of my running vary from day to day, but one thing always stays the same: my determination.
When it comes down to it, I continue to run because I am fueled by determination. The determination to always strive to be better than I was yesterday. The determination to show my children you can get pure joy out of something, even if you NEVER walk away as the champion. The determination to silence everyone who has ever doubted me, even if that means silencing myself, as well. And although, it may not be the reason I started running, it is without a doubt this determination that keeps me running.
I may never run a 5:00 mile or log 70 miles a week. I’m not going to win a race or even beat all of my friends. But none of that matters. Running is my passion. A passion I want to share with others. It is more than just a hobby. It is a force that has forever changed my life. Running has allowed me to be the best mom and wife and me I can possibly be. It’s not a chore or a job (because I am WAY TOO SLOW for that). Or even a requirement. It is just the simple act of placing one foot in front of the other--a simple act that helps define me.
Your words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for expressing so eloquently what running means to me. There are been doubters who, upon hearing my race times, say “is that even running?? Sounds more like a fast walk” and it has crushed me in the past. But then I remember how far I’ve come and your words just solidify that. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for reminding me of how special the simple act of running is to all of us.
woo hoo, Tonia!! I can’t wait to meet you next week. I totally relate to your reasons to run.
The self doubt thing really hit home. I fight that every time I start a new goal. Good to know others feel the same!
Wow that was well written! Thanks for sharing!
I love the way you put words to what so many of us feel. Thanks!
I feel the exact same way 🙂
LOVE! I don’t think I could have expressed my love for running better than Tonia just did!
Love this, T. Can’t wait to have the HTC adventure with you and so many others that feel this way, too!
I love that you run to silence yourself as a doubter. Make that one more reason why I run. Here’s to me being successful at that.
I related to every word… I am way to slow… But I’m determined!!!!
Passion will take you further than anything else can. Well said!
Awesome, awesome post! Thank you for sharing!
Yes, ma’am! Although, I don’t think you’re slow at all 🙂
Thanks! I may not be slow, but I am too slow to get make a living off of running …
Thank you! You very eloquently wrote why I still keep running.
Thank you for sharing. That is EXACTLY why I run too. Love being part of this club!
I’m such a dork! I follow racing with babes AND I read the article in RW and I didn’t make the connection. Thanks for this post!
I can really relate. thank you.
Wow…. I complete echo these thoughts. Thank you!
Awesome post Tonia!
I’ve never read before that someone else was passionate about running. Me too! You summed up why I run as well.
Wonderful way to put it!
Amen Sista!!!
You took the words right out of my head! The mantra written on my shoe tag is “run with perseverance” Nice job!
I love that mantra!
I love Tonia! This post is awesome.
LOVE… and LOVE T!
If you wrote an article about life we’d all reach elnigthemnent.
C0clov idiwzzimzzal
I love it.
Well said.
Well put – for once I think I am speechless over someone else putting into words (when I can’t) why I run!
Beautifully written. 🙂
(Of course.)