roll the credits please...

Today I'd like to recognize all those who have had an impact on my newly found hobby of running. It certainly wasn't something I just pulled out the air because I thought it sounded fun. Actually, it never sounded fun. I remember knowing girls in HS who ran cross country (the super thin, long-legged girls) and I totally thought they were crazy (really). I couldn't quite figure out the sport. No bats or balls, no goals, no sticks, it was totally foreign to me. And plus, nobody on earth would get me into one of those uniforms!! LOL

1. First of all I'd like to thank the kids in fourth grade who teased me for being fat.

2. Then I'd like to recognize the life-long torturing from my little brother who constantly reminded me of how fat I was. I had a good come back though: "I may be fat, but I can lose weight. You on the other hand, will always be ugly." Siblings are ruthless. LOL

3. More recently, Chris Yuen, my brother in law. That's when i was introduced to marathons and the awesome magazine "Runners World." When i was visiting them for Christmas 2 years ago he was in the process of training for a half marathon. We all went to the beach that was 25 miles away, and he did not go in the car with us...he ran. I had no idea people could run that far. I was clueless. I thought he was superman.

4. Tessie Parker is my friend here in San Jose who has inspired me in more than one way. But for this post, I will give her 100% credit on inspiring me to purchase the BOB Double Jogging stroller. I would never be able to run as much if it weren't for this awesome stroller. Then not only that, but she quickly became more than a friend, she became a running partner. Imagine us on the trails--her double BOB with 2 little girls, and me right behind her in my double BOB with 2 little boys. We always get cute smiles as we run. :)

5. Kim (Darrington) Robison. She's an old friend from college choir who has the best personality in the world! In college we never once had a conversation about running, and I'm not sure we ever actually ran either. But now the girl is running like crazy and I'm so inspired by her. Thank heavens for facebook, I found her on there and am so happy to share yet another fun hobby with her. (we both sang ALTO in Collegiate choir...life was good!)

6. Susan Custer, my sister in law. Last year she ran a half marathon in Pittsburgh, PA. I won't reveal her exact age, but she was over 40 at the time and has 4 children. The training for that is incredible. I just assumed runners either had no kids, or their kids were all grown. Then i just found out the other day that she did most of it on the treadmill in her basement. (no rainy, snowy, cold Pittsburgh day excuses for her!) Good job Susan!

There are lots of other people who have inspired me. Thank you for your inspiration and determination and perspiration and dedication and ... ok. Thanks! :)