Who did you look up to?
As a child who did you look up to? Who did you admire or want to be like?
I admired many of the women runners Lynn Jennings, Joan Benoit, Flo-Jo, and Kathrine Switzer. I learned at a young age the longer I ran the better I felt. I wanted to run a marathon—The Boston Marathon— just like Kathrine Switzer.
It’s hard to imagine there was a time when folks thought women were not capable of participating in endurance sports. We could endure childbirth but not 26.2 miles? I laugh but that was the belief. Wild to think about it now. (I won’t go down a rabbit hole here…)
Thank goodness for Kathrine! For her wit, curiosity, tenacity, and courage. Thank you for showing up, standing firm, and believing in what was possible for women in sports. Each time I toe the start line I am grateful. I get to run.
Today I am a mother runner
I get to toe the start line
of any distance
I choose.
Bobbi Gibb,
Kathrine Switzer,
Nina Kuscsik
are a few women
I nod my head to.
Thank you for
taking the lead
making a ruckus—
Creating a team.
I may not be
as fast as a man
Yet—
I get to run
the distance
just like he can. 
So glad you and kids could meet her and get pics taken!
My mom & dad always had my back. They gave me the strength to keep going and never give up. I had to drive to church Sunday by myself as my husband was ill. I kept repeating to myself, "I can do this!" I also asked God to give me strength too and He did! Having Vertigo can be scary, but I did it! Thank you Julie for encouragement also! Also, I never had a problem all that day!