One of the things I love about Running Start is how much we all inspire each other. Just because you’re a Personal Motivator, doesn’t mean you don’t need someone to motivate or inspire you. Last summer I was getting ready to drive to Wyoming to do a 50k trail race. I’ve been running since I was a teenager, have done big races in the past, but was feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. I was in tears and couldn’t get myself together. This wasn’t my first rodeo, so why was I feeling this way? I was driving alone, but meeting friends at the race, then adding on a post-race vacation at my sister’s house in Montana. This was something I had been looking forward to for months!
I didn’t feel like I should be driving, so I turned my car around and went back home! I didn’t want my boyfriend to see my like this, so I ran in the house with my sunglasses on and said I had to go to the bathroom. Well he eventually sent me on my way. As I was driving a few miles from home, facing a 6-hour drive, tears streaming down my cheeks, I happened to look out my window. There it was, a big real estate sign that said “Beth Shields”! Beth was one of my beginners! She’s one of the bravest woman I know, she steps out of her comfort zone every day, and now she was my motivator!! Seeing her name was all I needed. Of course, I pulled my car over, sent her a text to tell her how much I love her, we shared a few laughs, and I was on my way. It’s amazing what a kind work and knowing someone believes in you can do for your self-confidence. Just seeing her name changed my day! Some days I think I might learn more from my beginner than she learns from me!
Running Start 