THE E-MAIL
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I wanted to fill you in on my journey of running, I started Jan. 6th, only able to jog 1/4 mile without having to stop! (10 years ago I was running 13.1 with little difficulty...quit working out after college and when i got married...gained 75 lbs!!!) Now I am running 6 miles comfortably, I did my first official 5k last weekend...though it was only 3.1 miles, it felt so good to be able to that!
The reason I'm sharing is you were one of the reasons I started to run again!!! :)
I would see pictures of you and your hubby doing your infamous pre-race pictures :p it got me thinking how fun you all made it look, so I decided to get with it!! I'm doing a Tough Mudder in October in Ky, and doing three more 5/10k's within the next 2 months.
Thank you!! It's the little things like this that normally would go unnoticed, but for me it was life changing..I was on 5 meds (blood pressure, etc) now I'm only on 1!! :)
I've lost 55 lbs!!!Thanks again!********************************************************************
After I read this, I sat there stunned for a minute. Had he really intended to send this e-mail to me??? Had something as simple as posting my pre-race dance pics literally inspired someone to make such a huge change in their life?? It was seriously overwhelming. I share this with each of you so that you know that people are watching. You may not realize it, but what you do can influence and impact those around you. Even if it's those people you don't see or talk to on a daily basis. This e-mail is from someone in my home town who I really don't even know that well. I know who he is, but don't know him personally and he lives hundreds of miles away. And me, little me, had an impact on this person's life! It's pretty amazing and humbling all at the same time. I am soooo glad he took the time to share this with me. It truly made me realize that you just never know how you might touch someone's life.
So keep up the good work everyone and GET out there and INSPIRE someone today!!
What do you think? Would these pics inspire you to do something new??? Ha!!
I completely understand why you think that way. I will sometimes hear things about how inspired people are that even though I'm slow, I still keep plugging away. And yes, your pre-race dance parties inspire me too! They inspire me to include my husband in my training and racing even though he doesn't also race (YET!). They inspire me to be silly with him and my friends. Being able to laugh at yourself is a priceless gift. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so true, that you never know who you'll inspire. I love your pre race dance pictures!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this. I think we all have the capability to inspire others, we just have to believe in ourselves.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the awesome job and dance pics.
Maybe through in a picture of Jack in there too and I might be inspired. :o) Just kidding. You do inspire. I am totally inspired by you and your triathlons and the half Ironman you have coming up. Geesh, who wouldn't be. You know what I like about it the most? No, you aren't the fastest athlete, but you are out there pushing yourself just as hard as everyone else to accomplish the same goal. That is definitely inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThat should say "throw" in a picture of Jack....:o)
ReplyDeleteEveryone who participates is an inspiration - keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteYou are inspiring! I love how you and your husband do this together and encourage each other no matter what your goal for each race might be.
ReplyDeleteI love that you show that it doesn't matter how fast or slow you might be - all that matters is getting out there!
I'm slow, too... and you continue to remind me that it's OK.
Awe sweetie, that's so cute that you think you had anything to do with this when the email clearly reads "Your hubby's dancing inspires the world!!!" Kidding of course.
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm your #1 fan and I am so proud of you. I've told you so many times before that you outwork my butt everyday! Results are purely personal and relative for everyone. The fact is, you've improved waaaaay more than me from when we started this process. I love you and can honestly say you're my most favorite triathlete ever!!!
Love this Michael!! It is so important that we always strive to set a good example because we just never know who is watching...errr reading. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome and I am so glad you shared this because it really makes me think twice about all of my actions. Have a great day and heck yes your dance moves rock!!
I beleive the average joe is the most inspiring people on the race course, we are the every man, the age grouper, the heart and soul of the race. We do this to prove something about ourselves, people take note of this, to see what we do, what we go through, how we do it, it is inspiring to others.
ReplyDeleteLove this! What a great email to get. Keep inspiring!
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder and great post. YOu are an inspiration, you've come a long way!
ReplyDeleteThat's so great to hear. You're just doing your thing in your own world but that's really inspired someone to do the same. Good on you Michael. Keep posting those dance pics.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear!! The pics look fun, and people love fun!
ReplyDeleteI think we all inspire in our own ways.
You are doing things a lot of people are scared or not motivated to do! That is certainly inspirational!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift! I think your dance pictures are awesome and I'm sure something that makes people think, "Hm, they make it look fun/easy/etc....maybe I could do it"
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work :)
It would inspire me to learn to dance....I kid, I kid.. Ha. I love your pre-race photos. I've got to try that. Both of you are real inspirations. Michael - you are out there doing Tri's which I'd be freaking out to do. Jim - he's a running machine. I'd die at the miles he's doing. Keep up the great work at inspiring everyone that reads your blog. What a great e-mail you got.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic email! I like the dance pics too--they always remind me that this is supposed to be fun!
ReplyDeleteLike like like!
ReplyDeleteAn inspiration to me is anyone who tries to be a little bit better than what they were yesterday. We're not all going to be world champions, but we can all be better!! e
Reading your blog inspires me too:) I love seeing what pre-race dance moves are coming up next!
ReplyDeleteIt is always a great feeling when someone has been inspired by you. :) Keep up the great work and run! run! run!
ReplyDeleteso awesome!!! how cool of that person to write you :) your pre-race pics are pretty fun too!
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME!!! I am all about the random compliments, and I love that this person took the time to let you know how meaningful you've been to him. Yay all around!!!
ReplyDeleteContinue to rock!
Those pics make me laugh and look forward to our dinner plans later this month because I think you and Jim are so fun!!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that?!! I, for one, think that you are awesome, and your hometown friend is as well, for taking the time to let you know how you inspired... SO excited for you and the Racine group... your hard work will pay off soon!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great email! I've said it before, but someone's pace really doesn't matter because none of us are Ryan Hall out there. So really pace is all individual, and all of us are completing the race no matter what our pace is.
ReplyDeleteSo yes, you are inspiring and hilarious =)
Michael...look at all the comments and followers you have on your blog...it's very obvious to me that you INSPIRE many...and probably many more htat you don't even know about!
ReplyDeleteYou're fun, honest and humble...and that is what is inspiring in any person or athlete!!!