Run Strong, Think Big!

“Run strong, think big!”

My signature, a phrase that I think about a million times a day.  These four words have gotten me through just one more mile on more than one occasion.

What does it mean to me?  Well, run strong, to me, means to do the very best you can.  Put your whole heart into it, make every step count.  Hold your head up and be proud.  This is your run, your moment. You are the only one who can control the outcome.

Whether it is 20 miles or two, it doesn't make a difference. They are your miles, run them strong!

Maybe running isn't your thing.  Maybe you bike or swim.  It doesn't matter.  Just do what makes you happy and do it to the best of your ability and be sure to have fun!

Think big!  Big to me, at the moment, is a half marathon, 13.1 miles.  But to you it may be 3.1 or 26.2.  Maybe it is sprint triathlon or an Ironman.  Maybe you want to learn to fly an airplane, or just master flying a kite.  Whatever it is, if you can dream it, then you can do it!

We all have dreams but so many of us let them stay just that, dreams.  Why?  Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure, or rejection.  I say embrace those things and don't be scared.  They are part of life, but so are happiness, success and hope.  Believe in yourself.

I have to admit, some days this is harder then others, but when I see my kids look up to me, watching my every move, it all comes together for me.  I have to be strong and think big for them.  They are the greatest joy in my life and my biggest dream that has become my reality.  I believe if they see me work hard and succeed and be happy then they will too.

I am about to officially sign up for the Nike Women's Half Marathon.  This race takes place in San Francisco on Oct. 14.  I will be doing it with Team In Training and at the moment there are 10 of us making up our team.  We will be running to honor the memory of my girlfriend's daughter and will be running the weekend of what would of been her 16th birthday.

Out of the 10 team members, I am the only one in Rhode Island.  If anyone is interested in training with me and making the trip to SF, then please message me and I will give you the info.

I will be writing about this at least once a week while training, the good and the bad.  I am hoping to inspire and be inspired by the stories that I will be hearing form the people that I am training with.  I am hoping my family can see that you can make a difference by doing what you love.

So tell me, what does “run strong, think big” mean to you?  Remember, you don't have to be a runner to answer this.  Tell me what some of your goals are and what motivates you.

So, I say to you again, run strong and think big my friends!