I am That...Girl!

Today I volunteered for the Idaho Wine Run, while my best friend ran her first 10k.  When I first got there I was feeling intimidated by all the women who were walking around getting ready to run.  All I saw was fit girls who looked this was going to be a walk in the park.  My volunteer position was first aide station one.  We handed out water, Gatorade and fruit.  As the first runners came upon us we all started cheering, and a sense of community started to settle in around us.  We started getting word of thanks, my response was no thank you!!! YOU are doing an amazing job keep up the good work, you got this!.  I would hear other runners encourage each other.  When the 5k runners came to us, I started to see women who looked like me...little do they know that they gave me so much encouragement just by them running by me.  While Jennifer and I was driving home we were talking about the run.  We both agreed to try get more proactive in getting in shape for the next run which is in November. We both agreed the running community is pretty much amazing and very accepting of other people.  All I heard was encouragement.  I have done a 5k, but mostly walking it and I loved every minute of it, but that was last year.  I had lost my mojo to work out and keep living a healthier life style.  When I told some of the other volunteers a little bit about myself, they said don't give up. Thank you! You lighted a fire of hope in me, I had forgotten about.  Another thing Jennifer and I talked about how we had read something to the effect of  when experienced runner sees a new runner who was just starting out.  Has these thoughts going through her head:  I am so proud of you! When you run by me, don't look down...look me in the eye, so you can see how much I admire you.  Keep up what you are doing and you will get there.  Well now it is my turn to give you thanks...for I am that girl who is scared to look you in the eye.  I don't want you to see me struggling or to see me about to pass out.  Thank you for willing to give me hope.  Thank you for your kind words.  Thank you for giving me the extra push to keep going...I am That Girl!!! Who can't thank you enough...just my 2cents