Impact

Obviously training for the Bellin Run has had some positive impacts on you, from both a physical and mental standpoint.  If you don’t feel like it has, take a look back from where we started and look how far you have come.  Like I have mentioned before, make sure you are enjoying the journey, the race itself is just one more step along the way to a healthier lifestyle.  But have you ever thought about how your training has had an impact on those around you, whether it is a co-worker, spouse, child, or other friends and family?

In general, when you tell someone you are training for a race of any distance, 5K to a marathon, you will get one of two reactions.  “Good for you, that’s great” or “You are nuts, why would you want to do that?”  The first reaction could seem very positive, but they could be thinking sarcastically something like, “You will never follow through” or “I will believe it when I see it.”  In the second reaction, maybe they are really thinking, “I wish I had that sort of motivation” or “Maybe I should try something like that”.  Or maybe they just really do think you are nuts.  No matter what they are really thinking you have made an impact on them and whether they will admit it or not, will likely get them thinking about their own health.  The best thing you can do for that person is to follow through, walk the talk, and show them what a difference it has made in your life.

If you are the type of person that just wants to go out and do this on your own and not tell anyone about it, you can do that if you choose, but think about the injustice you are doing to your friends and family.  You never know who is out there looking for someone to give them a little motivation for a healthier lifestyle.  Further you never know who is watching, so by publically living a healthier lifestyle, you may be helping or motivating someone you don’t even know.  The potential for impact is enormous, so take advantage of every opportunity.

Earlier this week, after a long day at work, I was at home and my two girls (3.5 & 1.5 years old) were running around the house.  After about 10 minutes of them making laps around the kitchen and living room, they finally stopped for a rest and I asked the older one what she and her sister were doing.  “Daddy we are doing our exercises, just like you.”  With a smile on my face, I told her I thought that was great.  Then she adds in “And Daddy, I am so sweaty…But I am not smelly like you!”  So in one moment I am feeling great, followed by a bit of self consciousness, but the point is if a 3 year old can figure out that what we are doing is good for us, just imagine the impact you can make on your peers!

Happy Training!