Community Fridays > What is Inspiring Me in the Running Community
Hello there friends and happy FRIYAY! Man, we made it to the weekend and doesn’t it feel good? This weekend will be the first weekend, in about three weeks that we’ve had a normal Saturday – Sunday. We’ve either been traveling or working for the past three weeks and needless to say, I am ready for a slow, easy paced (I think I just used a running term) weekend. Bring on all the family time and long runs.
Before I dive head first into a much needed, unplugged weekend, I want to share my quickly becoming favorite post of the week with you all. COMMUNITY FRIDAYS! What is Community Fridays?
Basically, community Fridays is a day that I am dedicating to the running community. There is something special about cheering others on and sharing good news with other people. Whether that’s an inspiring runner, a good sale on running clothes (who doesn’t love that?!) or an encouraging story, I want to have Fridays be a day of celebration – celebrating real runner’s, real stories, and encouraging others in their own running journey! Basically, Fridays are going to be my new, favorite, on the blog, day of the week! SO, if you know of an inspiring runner or an encouraging running related story, or you want to share YOUR running story (and want to be featured!) make sure to email me at coachbethanythompson@gmail.com. I would LOVE to feature YOU!
Inspiring Runners
Sara Hall Sara Hall is one of my ALL time favorite, elite runners. She is married to elite runner, Ryan Hall “has posted the best-ever American times in the Half Marathon and Marathon and has represented the US in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Sara was the 2012 US National Cross Country Champion and a Gold Medalist at the Panamerican Games in the steeplechase. She has represented the US at three World Indoor Track and Field Championships and a World Cross Country Championship.” Sara recently won the USTF 20k championships (Allie Keifer placed second!) and is on her way to a speedy Frankfurt marathon! Not only is she super fast, but both Ryan and Sara love Jesus. Their humility, passion for running, and love for people is something that inspires me. Sara and Ryan also adopted four girls from Ethiopia- their family is literally ADORABLE. It is always so fun for me to follow elite runners and Sara is one of the best!
Caitlyn Germain aka cmomrunfast – okay, this lady is one tough runner. Caitlyn is a mom of two girls, a 20+ year long competitive runner and she’s someone who I would say encapsulates the word, “Persistence.” I’ve followed Caitlyn, on Instagram, for a while now and have seen her preserve through a nagging (i.e. year + long) calf injury. Watching her persistence in continuing to stay focused, diligent, and run her own course has been so inspiring for me, personally, as I come back from my injuries this summer. I literally CANNOT wait to watch her make this comeback and hit the races and goals and PRs she wants to hit. She has remained so faithful and so committed and worked through so many emotions during these dry patches. I am eager to see what is in store for her! Cheering for you, friend!
Gear/Fuel
Sarah Marie Designs Studio – If I could put pretty much this entire store on my Christmas list, that would be great (cough, cough, Landon) Sarah’s fun sweatshirts, tees, and tanks are a fun gift for any runner in your life. I have my eye on THIS sweater and THIS tank. I listened to an Ali on the Run podcast episode, featuring Sarah and loved getting to know more about this awesome mother runner and entrepreneur! Elite runners love her products (Molly Huddle loves her nail wraps) and I think it is pretty cool to order some sweat shirts off a site that other runners and elites both enjoy!
Podcasts/Education – (I am all about learning AS MUCH as I can about running and these couple of podcast episodes/books are what I am loving/reading lately! If you have any book recommendations, let me know!)
Strength Running – I know I have shared this podcast with you all before, but I had to share THIS particular episode. Jason does an fantastic job of laying out what a tempo run should look like. I found this a super fun and enjoyable, short and sweet episode to listen to. I love finding little nuggets like these and hope this helps you, in your running journey, too!
Born to Run: This is on my next to read book list, since I have yet to read it, I cannot say anything much about it yet – other than I’ve heard great things about it!
And that’s a wrap, a few things I am loving in the running community, this week! Hope you all have an awesome, restful, weekend filled with many miles and strong coffee. Cheers!