Sunday, November 20, 2011

Hug A Runner Day!

When I first heard about "Hug A Runner Day," I was immediately on board.  My running obsession journey has been as much emotional for me as it has been physical.  My first year of "real" running (2009) was all about weight loss.  I hated how I looked.  I hated how I felt.  I hated how I looked in workout clothes.  Thus I ran by myself... every single mile.

The next year (2010), I was encouraged by a couple new friends that were supportive of my fitness.  While nearly all my miles were still run solo, I bursted through my goals with the help of friends and family.

This past year, I feel like I've found my groove as a runner, which has empowered me to step outside my box of solidarity.  I started this blog in January mainly to document my run-athon, but ended up learning a ton, inspiring some along the way and making some great online friends.  In the spring, I joined the local "Building Steam" program as a group leader, meeting a large bunch of local runners.  I forced myself to meet up with some group runs in which I knew no one.  But the funny thing about runners is that it only takes ONE RUN together to feel like instantaneous friends.

And then Sole Sisters began in June.  In the past five months, my local network of running friends has exploded.  On any given day, I can find a running partner if needed.  But the best part about runner friends is the emotional support through injury and illness (they get it!), the shared excitement on racedays, and the pure encouragement of living life to the fullest. I feel unbelievably blessed right now with these special friendships.

So when someone (namely Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano) ask me to HUG A RUNNER on a special day of 11-20-11 to raise 1 million runner hugs... Hell-Yeah!!  Runners are my favorite people to be around!  I love to share the sweat sparkle!

So here is my BIG VIRTUAL HUG to YOU...
my runner friends!

I hope you have a great day!



WEIGHT LOSS GOAL before Myrtle Beach Half Marathon on Feb. 18
Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

11 comments:

  1. A great big hug to you!!
    And I totally forget about you being a fellow Packers fan. Makes me wanna double the hugs.. a runner plus a Packers fan... score!
    have a great day!!!!

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  2. awww, thank you! great post and a great hug!!

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  3. LOOK at that COOL Jingle Bell Hell button!!!! Wow...you have some awesome computer graphic skills :)

    ((((HUG))))

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  4. Ahh love that! HUGS right back at you lady!

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  5. ~K~
    aw, thanks for the hug! =)

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  6. Here's a hug back! Great job on your success!!

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  7. That is so wonderful... and you are so CUTE!

    Hugs to you,too, Jess, and I hope you had an awesome day.

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  8. and a ((Hug)) right back to you!!!!

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  9. OMG I loved your version of a virtual hug.....I literally feel so much love coming from you. Thanks you made my day!

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