Running with my Heart

"When my legs get tired, I run with my heart."

Sometimes to get through the last mile, sometimes to go the first step, sometimes the whole run, I have to think of someone that I am running for.... the list could go on and on.  The list could include people that motivate me to run, such as my dad, who've I run most of my races with, my sister who creates workout competitions with me to keep us both moving, my cousin who lost a ton of weight and goes running in Chicago with me, but my list are people whose lives really pull at my heart strings and help me go the extra mile.

My Mom: While fighting colon cancer, we ran in her honor.  Now she runs to help raise money and funds for colon cancer.  She is inspiring for all runners (or wanna be runners).
Uncle Tom:  No doubt, he would tell me I'm crazy for blogging or running, he still inspires me and I know he would be proud of me.  I couldn't play football for him to watch, but he watched me run by his house plenty of times.  

Lori: She asked me to run the Hot Chocolate 15K with her.  I worked for her when I was running 6 miles every morning at 7 am.  She is amazing.  She ran her 25 marathon this year.  She has run ultra marathons. And she has fought ovarian cancer. I always think of her when Lady Antebellum "I Run to You" comes on my running playlist.  
Christopher: This little guy taught me more about tolerance than any adult, book, or movie every could.  His stomach doesn't work the way it should, and he has had more pokes and prods than any kid ever should have.  He is a fighter, often sick, and never complains.  I can run miles for him. 
Anna and Lily: These two little girls both have had to fight cancer as little tiny kids.  When Anna was given a very grim diagnosis, I ran 8 miles.  I hadn't run that far in months, but knowing that this little girl was spending her last few months on earth, I knew I could keep runninng.  Little Lily has been travelling back and forth from central IL to Memphis to receive her treatments.  She is a fighter. When I run, I often find myself saying prayers for her recovery and miracle.


                                                                            Heather and Camdyn:
These two girls are a pair of the strongest girls I have ever met.  Neither of their bodies work quite right, but neither have disabilities   They both have so many abilities.  They can walk. They can smile. They can sure dance. They can make everyone else laugh and smile. They brighten everyone's day.  They work harder to take one step, than it takes me to walk all day. They are strong. 

Little Miracles: In college Dance Marathon was a huge part of my life.  Some of the kids above I met through Dance Marathon, and so many more have touched my life and continue to remind to run for those who can't.  

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