Why I Run...

I am not an athlete. I did not play recreational sports growing up, nor did I play at the high school level. Needless to say I did not play collegiately and early in my marriage when another couple asked if me and my husband played tennis, his response was that I was “domestic”! What exactly does that mean?

Over the years, I attempted various exercise classes and at home video work-outs. Apparently I am not coordinated, have no rhythm, and don’t do the group thing very well. Blessed with what many would call good metabolism, weight issues did not rear their ugly head until two babies later and age 40 was calling my name.

I got serious about eating healthy and exercising at age 40. I also gave up sweet tea and regular soda (that’s another blog). I saw the toil that years of not eating healthy and not exercising had taken on my parents. It was the motivation I needed to adopt a healthy lifestyle. I lost 20 lbs. and felt better than I had in years.

Then real life got in the way. My dad’s health declined rapidly and he was taken from us much too quickly. I exercised sporadically at best and the pounds creeped back on along with the fatigue. And then the big D came into my life and took up permanent residence.

On August 21, 2008, my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Through no fault of her own, an unknown trigger had caused her autoimmune system to attack itself. In the process, her insulin producing beta cells had been killed off. She would now require life-saving insulin through injection or pump therapy for the rest of her life. Briefly, my world was turned upside down.

I was scared and frustrated trying to learn a whole new way of taking care of my daughter. I needed to get out of the house and clear my head. I needed to breathe fresh air. I needed to run.

I share all of this to say, “Get up and get moving.” Life is tough. Everyone is facing some kind of challenge. If you are physically able to walk or run, there is no excuse not to. It is relatively easy. There is no enrollment or monthly fee to participate. It can be done most anywhere at any time.

The only costs are proper fitting shoes, socks, and apparel. It’s a small investment to make for an improvement in your quality of life. I can guarantee that you will feel better, you will see things from a new perspective, and you will need proper fitting shoes! They will really make a difference in how long you stick with your healthy lifestyle choices.

Gotta run,
Beth McCrary
Sales Associate & Buyer
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