a little bit of inspiration

i've always been the one being inspired.  finding inspiration in other people to push me to the limit. (or in some cases get me out the door)

 i am the youngest of three and my two older sisters amazed me from the start. my oldest sister is the most talented of artists and taught me at a young age that talent starts one on the right course, but to excel you need to follow your heart and persevere.  she now runs a very successful invitation business from home while juggling being a new mother to my nephew, who she describes as "a bulldozer wrapped in a wrecking ball".

my middle sister was my sports idol growing up (still is actually) and i longed to be half the athlete she became.  whatever she ran I only dreamt of doing half of.  she now juggles three children and is pregnant with a fourth.  they both continue to inspire and amaze me daily.

more recently, i was blessed to come in contact with a group of individuals who are not only remarkable athletes but nice people too.  this is hard to come by these days.  not one but an entire group of non judging, supportive, genuine friends.  i feel more blessed everyday.

i have a few close friends who entered to run the broad street run this year in philadelphia.  for those keeping track the broad street run was my first official distance run at 10 miles, many years ago.  throughout their training i've received countless text messages with questions ranging from "what shorts should i wear" to "how do i pass dunkin donuts without stopping for a donut on my way to the gym?"  i smile when i receive these messages for several reasons, but most notably because i give them advice that i know to have worked for me but then typically follow it up with "i'm the last person you should be asking for advice" to which i usually receive a "why?  you are training for an ironman! YOU inspire me"  i never thought of myself as an inspiration.  it was always the other way around.

and tonight as i was heading back from a workout i stopped my older heavy set neighbor to inquire about a fuse box issue (long story for another blog entirely)  and he replied with a "sure i'm actually just on my way to walk the track.  I see you every morning and every night going out in your workout clothes.  you inspired me to get going tonight"

my point is this.  we all need a little push.  it doesn't matter if its from your childhood heros (my sisters) or the neighbor across the way.    you never know when you might be someone elses inspiration.