Over the course of the past five months, especially while running, a thought would enter my mind and I would think to myself, "I should blog about that!" But I still didn't feel as though my thoughts about running were something worth sharing, so I kept them inside my head and continued on.
Last night, I did something completely out of my comfort zone. I attended the Another Mother Runner book party at my local Fleet Feet. By myself. Other than my husband and kids, I do not have any local running friends, so this was a solo journey.
I entered the store, joining many other women who have been inspired by the AMR message. These women were young, old, short, tall, of all shapes and sizes. The AMR community represented that evening was a tapestry of strong women. Though I had never met a soul present, somehow, we were all connected.
I surveyed the store, not really sure of the agenda for the evening. Most women seemed to be there with at least one friend, but I quickly discovered another woman who was also there solo. We quickly introduced ourselves, found a seat, and easily talked for about 30 minutes or so. A few other women joined our little group, and the conversation continued. I never for one minute felt as though I didn't belong in that conversation among runners. I belonged there.
Soon, Dimity McDowell, one half of the AMR duo, addressed the group. Dimity spoke about the AMR mission, read from each of the three AMR books, and gave away some amazing door prizes (Saucony shoes, Soleus GPS Watches, etc.). Finally, once she was done speaking, she welcomed the group to stop by the table for a picture or an autograph, and reminded us not to forget to pick up a swag bag before we left with goodies from Balega socks, GU, Nuun, Action Wipes, and SweatX detergent.
I had already purchased an AMR lifestyle tee (It's all good - I ran today) and a copy of the latest AMR book, "Tales from Another Mother Runner." I got in line to chat with Dimity, get a picture, and ask her to sign my book. When it was my turn, I was so excited to get to talk with her. I thanked her for her podcasts, which frequently get me through my long runs. When I listen to them, I feel like I am hanging out with friends - I laugh, I cry, I feel like I belong. She asked me what I was training for, and I shared that I'm training for my first marathon, Disney 2016. She asked how long my longest run had been so far. I told her 20 miles, and she seemed surprised, asking how many more 20 milers I had planned. I told her 2 more (23 and 26 according to the plan) and that I was following Jeff Galloway's training plan, and that he promised it would get me across the finish line in the upright position, and I hoped it would work. She reassured me that it would and stepped away for a quick second, returning with a huge handful of GU and GU chomps, telling me she hoped they would help me get through those last two long runs.
Yes, I am really short, and Dimity is really tall.
So appreciative of her kindness, I floated away with a goofy grin on my face. I grabbed my swag bag, and met back up with my husband to drive home. I talked his ear off on the hour long ride back home, so excited about the evening. For two hours, I felt like I was a real runner. I never felt as though I didn't belong there, or that somehow, my slow run-walk-run plan or the fact that I don't look like the women who grace the cover of Runner's World, disqualified me as a member of the AMR tribe.
Upon reflecting on the evening, I realized that runners really do come in all shapes and sizes from all walks of life. The woman who crosses the finish line first is not more of a runner than the one who crosses last - she's just faster. I may always be closer to the back of the pack than the front, but that will never make me less of a runner.
And for that reason, from now on, when I do have one of those "blog-worthy thoughts," I will share them. My thoughts may never be read by anyone, but maybe one or two people might stumble upon my words and be inspired. Either way, I am okay. I am a runner, and I am proud to be part of the running community. Thanks, Dimity and all those AMR's out there for helping me feel like I belong.
