Who motivates you to run?

We all find different motivation every single day or lack there of... a'hem.  I am guilty of not always feeling as motivated until after I FINISH LOL.  I'm always super motivated when I finish!!!

One reason I like to go to the YMCA to run is seeing people like this!  For me, since I am blessed enough to be healthy and not overly unfit, I have no excuses.  I see inspiration every time I'm at the Y, from the young mom sweating her stuff while her kids play in the nursery, to the man with one leg who runs with a metal (awesome, cool) hook like the blade runner, to the elderly people who regularly come to walk a little and talk a little!  

One of my biggest inspirations at the Y is this man.  He is a World War II vet and is at the Y every morning at about 5:30am.  He rides the stationary bike or takes a  brisk walk on the treadmill.  Talk about an inspiration!  

Sometimes he wears a shirt that says, "Every day is a bonus!"  Isn't that the truth?

This morning after sweating and huffing and puffing and barely hanging on, in walks my inspiration, smile on his face and a greeting for each of us.  As I was struggling for breath this morning, this man gave me new inspiration to keep running.  I'm sure he has seen far more adversity that I can even comprehend.  I picked up the pace and kept on running!

I asked this kind man if I could take his picture this morning.  He wasn't sure why this sweaty lady, who was a little teary in his presence, was wanting to pose for a picture with him.  But I shared with him that I am lazy, I dread coming, and he inspires me every day that I make it to the Y.  Thank you sir for being a shining star and getting me there!  

Gina

My hubby and I have been SO SICK!  UGH!  Right when you think you are on a roll and getting back in shape, what happens?  Ya get sick!  

Ah well... at least it was relatively short lived.  I only missed one day of work but easily could have been gone for almost three weeks.  I haven't been so sick in years.  Miserable stuff.  Thankfully though, it was just a cold and we are both back to almost normal.

This past Saturday I thought I was up to a run!  Doug and I had babysat for my great niece and great nephew the night before.  Whew!  They are active, but we had such a wonderful time, since we have no grandkids and we have only fur babies to spoil at home!  LOL.

I chose one of my favorite routes for Saturday's run - the Turkey Trot Route.  It offers both easy downhills and some super challenging uphills.  The views are beautiful and the feeling of accomplishment afterwards is so worth it.  

This route runs past the Veteran's Park in our area so in honor of the first Vietnam War remembrance holiday (just passed by President Trump), which was last week, I wanted to post this picture.

I have two uncles who were drafted in the Vietnam War.  One of my uncles adjusted okay after he came home and was able to resume his life, for the most part.  My Uncle C inspired me at a young age to stay fit and active.  He loved taking all of us to fitness trails and challenging us always to do the best!

The other uncle did not adjust okay, and still struggles simply to not be homeless on the street.  He chooses his life and has plenty of money, but definitely has lots of issues as a result of his service in Vietnam.  Who knows what part of him was effected and what part would be the same way regardless of his service.  

Both of them hold special places in my heart and I love them very much.

I salute all of our veterans for their sacrifices! Today, I especially salute those who went to Vietnam and left a part of themselves over there...