Champion marathon runner, Sally Meyerhoff, was an incredibly talented woman who died in a bicycle accident recently…it breaks my heart to see this beautiful light snuffed out so early. She had so much potential and promise. Sally at only 27 years old was rising to the top of her game… she was an elite athlete who qualified for the Olympic trials after her very first marathon. She had what was needed to be the greatest. Her blog is a beauty to read…chalk full with her insane training schedule and unrelenting work outs, events and races. If anybody can embody the word “dedicated” , it would be her.

As a fellow runner, I looked up to Sally Meyerhoff so much. I remember seeing her for the first time at the PF Changs 2011 race. I was so encouraged by her because she didn’t have the typical “runner’s body”, yet she ran like a cheetah. To me, she looked more like a gymnast…very muscular and solid. I was a gymnast growing up so I have a similar build. I am not “skinny” or tall and definitely do not have the stereo typical long and lean runners look. To watch her win that race with a body I can relate to was a game -changer for me. She showed me what was possible and I could taste the excitement of my runs getting “better”! That day I learned…I mean really learned, to not let my body type or age be a measuring stick for what I am capable of.

On March 6th Sally Meyerhoff wrote in her blog:

“I cannot express how HAPPY I am with where I am in my life right now though, and how grateful I feel for being able to do what I do. I just wouldn’t trade it for anything and any time I am feeling not very motivated, I think about how miserable I feel when I am not training or doing something else I don’t LOVE.”

I can speak for myself and say that I was and am truly inspired by her.

Thank you Sally Meyerhoff for stirring up my passion for running once again and reminding me to DO WHAT I LOVE!

Run towards what you love in life, even if it's an uphill battle... don't give up!