Heather’s Running Inspiration

I was not a runner before February 2012. Yes, I had been a regular Hasher from 2002 through 2005, but you don’t need to be a runner to be a Hasher, just a little crazy (and thirsty).

So I took my inspiration to start (and continue) running from other “non-athletes” like myself. Because there’s nothing to get you off the sofa like the thought “Well if they can do it, why can’t I?”

Eddie Izzard “Eddie Iz Running”: He was already my favorite comedian, but when he ran 43 marathons in 51 days across the UK to raise money for Sport Relief — after only training for 5 weeks! — he became one of my favorite role models. Go Eddie!

Richard Branson “Work Out”: I was reading this post on Scott Dinsmore’s site Live Your Legend about Richard’s secret to starting over 400 companies and discovering the ultimate source of confidence & productivity. I don’t know if I’m any more productive than before (running, stretching and mixing up protein smoothies are great excuses to procrastinate), but this is certainly one of the reasons I decided to get off my butt and do something.

Ethan Newberry “Ginger Runner”: I love Ethan’s motto: “Train hard, race harder, party hardest.” Or, for the t-shirt: Train. Race. Beer. Ethan’s actually a professional actor/comedian, too. Funny (and irreverent) people are always the most inspirational for me, because if running isn’t fun, what’s the point? And his reviews of running shoes and equipment are hilarious.

Matt “Angry Jogger”: If you can’t stand the “holier than thou” vibe you get from most running blogs, you’ll love Matt, a runner in Belfast, Ireland. He eats junk food, drinks like a fish, and yet still runs because he likes it. If you think you’re too fat to start running, read Matt’s blog. If you think you have to eat rabbit food to enjoy running, read Matt’s blog. If you just want a good laugh and don’t give a shite about running, read Matt’s blog.

Matt Frazier “No Meat Athlete”: I’m not vegan, or even vegetarian, but I used Matt’s Marathon Roadmap to get me through my first marathon (and totally disregarded his advice about not walking around in a theme park the three days leading up to the marathon for my second one, d’oh!). There are tons of great articles for beginners. And it never hurts to add a bit of green to the diet. 😉

Finally, all of my fabulous friends who have been running for years (Vee, Steph, Jeff, Bryan), and the ones who have just started (Leslie, Jane, Michelle)…it’s always great to compare running boo boos, egg each other on to run in some crazy race, and swap post-run smoothie recipes. Rock on!