I have had two weeks to recover from the 3M Half Marathon, 2016.  Next step…The Austin Half Marathon on February 14. Yes, Valentine’s Day.  What better way to celebrate the heart: Run 13.1 miles to keep it strong!  Luckily, I get to run with my friends and my soul mate.  More on them all in a later post!

I now have my new shoes and look in my closet to see the 3 pairs that have helped me train and complete my first Half. Thank you! They are still in great shape but not ideal to support another 13.1 miles of pounding. These shoes are ready for a new home.  Ready for someone else to take a step, maybe even their first step as a runner.  I will donate these shoes to help someone who needs them.  Austin’s own running store, Luke’s Locker, has a commitment to donate used running shoes.  I have a new motivation for my future races!

Good running shoes can be costly but are essential to keep my feet healthy as I abuse them while I prepare for the next race.  I am fortunate that I can buy new shoes to help me but what about those who can’t?  What about kids who don’t have the opportunity to run much less have a new pair of shoes? I have decided to help those kids as well.

It is common in our current culture for kids not to have an active lifestyle.  Lots of distractions have caused many families to keep kids indoors. Don’t get me wrong, there are many that play in sports, ride their bikes but there are many who don’t. I remember as a kid I was always on my bike, playing kick the can, anything to be outdoors and be active.  Why don’t I see this today?

It could be in part of not having the opportunity or the shoes! This is where I am inspired to get involved and help.  Being part of a running community has introduced me to many organizations.  Marathon Kids and Marathon High are among them, click here to learn more about these amazing causes(http://marathonkids.org  http://marathonhigh.org).   Both are supported through Rogue Running and the Austin Marathon.  It’s not just about the running but a healthy approach to life. This includes a healthy diet along with an active lifestyle.  More on food in later blogs.  I am inspired by these groups because their focus is to educate, to give, and to make a difference.  Whether it is money, time or just a pair of shoes, an opportunity is born.  A pair of shoes has new life! A strong step!!

Now, it’s time to run another race and and even more important…give back!  Even if it is only a pair of shoes or a donation to these great programs to help kids of all ages.  Remember, a pair of shoes represents a new beginning, new hope…maybe a healthy way of life!  One step at a time!

Strong steps can lead to a stronger community maybe even a stronger life!