I find running inspiration EVERYWHERE. Right around the corner from me is a rehabilitation hospital so I am always inspired whenever I run by there because the patients sit outside in their wheelchairs. It reminds me how blessed I am to have my health and the ability to run. Within a half a mile in two other directions there are two other major hospitals that have the same effect. Even when I pass other runners, they inspire me... they find time in their schedules and they're pushing and fighting and loving running, just like I do.

Well, today I found incredible inspiration in my friends. I am active on the Marine Corps Marathon message board because I had the good fortune of meeting lots of the posters last year at MCM. Today 10 of them ran the Country Music Marathon or Half-Marathon. Another, who is injured, went to cheer them on. One who is injured and is having hip surgery next week ran the half! In spite of all that pain, she was out running! Now THAT is determination and drive! Everyone had PHENOMENAL races... One PRed by 15 minutes and ran a 4:10 at the age of 45! And I know she looked gorgeous while doing it. Not only that, but a year ago, she was starting the couch to 5K program. Not only did she go couch to 5k, she went 5K to marathon! All in a bit over a year! (And I'm neglecting the fact that 3 weeks ago she placed 3rd in her age group at the Big D marathon!) 

Another friend PRed and finally broke 4 hours. A third is shooting for a decade PR... he turned 60 between MCM and now. I know so many people in their 20s who can't  (or won't) run a mile, let alone 26.2; here is someone who is older and who could sit out on life, but instead has the good health and motivation to run marathons! How amazing! How inspirational! Even though they had great races, the most amazing thing is just that they did it. That more days than not, they get up and they run. They find ways to fit it into their busy schedules. They make it a priority in life. And their hard work paid off today... their good results a symptom of all they've done before now. 

And whatever right I have to be proud, I am SO proud of my friends today! And because of them, I have another 10 or so sources of running inspiration!