These people already wrote my book. Running the Edge.

I love writing. And running is a huge part of who I am. So, I've naturally thought about writing a book about running. Because while I know that not everyone loves to run, deep down I believe that running can change most people. Including many people who believe or claim that "they can not run."

That statement frustrates me. It hits a nerve. 

I want to tell everyone that they can run. Anyone can run. Ironically, I am part of a program where I am matched with someone who really can't run. At least at this point in his life. He has a medical condition that limits his ability to run. I have faith that he will eventually grow strong enough to run, but for now I run for him. Many people have limitations that don't allow them to run. But if you are overall physically healthy and have the ability to move your legs at whatever pace you want, you can run. The pain of running does not mean that you can't run.

Well, before I go too far, it turns out there is already a book out there that is basically what I would write, and more, if I were to write a book about running. It's called "Running the Edge" by Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano. I am only about 1/4 of the way through this book but I think I've almost highlighted every word or quote in my Kindle. I find myself constantly yelling "YES!" out loud as I read it. Needless to say, I think you should add it to your reading list ;-) Of course I'm yelling 'YES!' because I can relate. But also because I want more people to experience the joy.

Without copying and pasting every quote I've highlighted in the book so far, really it's about the journey that running takes you and your body on, and how it affects the other stories of your life. Adam and Tim break those other stories down into education, career, family, friendships, and passions.

Yes it hurts like hell when you first start. I would say that is true for most runners. I've been running since 6th or 7th grade (translation/conversion- for about 16 years now), but it hurt in an un-enjoyable way basically until I was in college. Maybe that means I'm not the most naturally gifted runner or I didn't know how to accept the pain and push myself through those years, but I eventually got to the point where I felt freedom. A release as I ran. I knew my body and it felt natural to push it.  And ever since then, it's been getting better and better (of course, proper running form is important...I'm more than happy to help or answer any questions about that :). More enjoyable. Now, I can't imagine my life without it. And that is slightly terrifying. I don't take my health or legs for granted. 

But it did take me years. And that is why I get so 'frustrated' when people say they can't run. You can. You can go through the pain like so many of us have. And you will experience euphoria if you just stick with it. That doesn't mean you want to, but that is a different issue. Do not say you can't. Running is as natural an activity as....walking. Except the challenge of it gives you so much more.

"...after your runs, as you count the new blisters on your feet, you feel as if you've been hit by a truck. The conventional wisdom that running is not fun seems truer than ever. "How can people do this for fun?" begs a painfully obvious answer. They can't! But if you continue to run and resist all common sense and logic to quit, one day, something magical happens. One day, while on a run, you notice that running does not hurt. Not only does it not hurt, but it feels natural and easy. Your legs feel powerful and strong. Your breath, heartbeat, and muscles have found a rhythm and harmony working together in perfect balance. You get a sense that this is what humans were meant to do, and you feel a connection to your primitive ancestors, as if you have discovered what you were always meant to be."

That is what this book is about. Oh I love it. That is exactly what I felt. About 5 years after I started running.  

"Runners are not being chased: They are chasing. They are chasing faster times, longer distances, and a blissful peace of mind. They line up in the same place and pay money to chase finish lines anywhere between one and one hundred miles away. Runners are in constant pursuit of personal goals, trying to discover their maximum potential. Running is an active crusade of self improvement. As runners carve away layer after layer of the unnecessary and replace them with the essential, they know for certain that they are not running away from anything. They are chasing who they can become."  - Running the Edge

This book is interactive and I've started my own workbook. It's about reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses and becoming a better you, through running, or your personal-interest life story.

You can run. And it will be awesome. I promise.