On a cold wintery Saturday in January, I slipped on my running shoes for the first time in months. I headed down to the park to meet a woman named Mary. She claimed to also be a slow runner. I’ve heard that before from other runners in my community, but the sarcasm in Mary’s email led me to believe she was telling the truth.
She suggested we run about 3 miles. I about choked on my own breath. I was sure I told her I hadn’t run in months and I surely hadn’t run 3 miles in years.
Mary could tell I was a little shocked, she said, “We’ll see how we do. Just let me know if you need to turn around.”
Before I knew it we ran close to 5 miles, at a pace I could actually handle.
I set the goal to run the Broad Street 10-mile race in May.
Mary and I continued to meet 3 -5 days a week. By May I was more than ready for the race. Then Mary asked if I would run a half marathon with her a few weeks after the 10-mile race. I accepted the challenge.
Mary was the key to my success. What most of us need to achieve our goals is support, accountability, and a system or plan. Mary also believed in me more than I believed in myself. She saw what was possible.
By the time we crossed the finish line of the half marathon, she had convince me I could run a marathon. Mary taught me everything she knew, from running shoes to training schedules. In November of 2009, just ten months after I started running with Mary, I finished my first (and likely only) marathon just a few seconds faster than my goal time.
This past weekend tens of thousands of runner hit the pavement to run the Philadelphia Marathon. As I drove past the runners, tears ran down my face. I was overwhelmed with emotions as memories of that day and all the hard work I put into training ran through my head. Many people told me I couldn’t do it, that it wasn’t possible and questioned why I even wanted to try. But Mary planted a seed. And I’m forever grateful.
What I know for sure is we all need someone to believe in us, in our dreams and our desires. I also know that if I believe in someone else’s dreams and desires it can transform her life. Simply saying it’s possible, you can do it, and I BELIEVE IN YOU can be the words that carry someone forward.
Today take the time to think about how powerful your words can be for yourself or for someone in your life.
What are you dreaming of today? I believe it’s possible for you.
Be well,
Melanie