Pledge Your Love

1. We run

We all come from varying backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and abilities. We run at the front of the pack, the middle of the pack and the back of the pack. Our experiences have shaped us into who we are but haven’t yet shaped us into who we will become. We rise above our past and at each moment decide to change our life for the better; one step at a time, one minute at a time, one mile at a time. We know that our race isn’t over until WE cross the finish line.

2. We laugh in the face of adversity

We push ourselves beyond what we thought possible. We recognize the mental and physical fortitude it takes to achieve our goals. We are consistent, persistent and patient in our training. We run when the sun is at its hottest. We run when the lakes and the rivers are frozen over. We run in the dark of night and we run in the wee hours of the morning. We know that as long as we continue to put one foot in front of the other we have succeeded.

3. We are determined

We do not make excuses for ourselves. We don’t use our families, jobs or anything else as reasons not to get our miles in. We run in the early morning hours before our household’s wake and we run on treadmills in the wee hours of the night before turning in. We know that if we want better, we must do better. No one is going to hand us a chair in the middle of the race.

4. We train for a higher purpose

We take care of ourselves. We eat well, sleep well and engage in relationships that support and nourish who we are. We recognize that treating ourselves well is essential for effective training. We run by ourselves. We run with friends. We run in clubs. We recognize that running isn’t just about putting one foot in front of the other, it is our community, our sanctuary, our sanity.

5. We compete against ourselves

We are the only ones we control. We strive to be better today than we were yesterday in all aspects of our life. We move towards harmony and peace.

6. We run with conviction and heart

We know that we are not just people who run. We are runners. Running is at the very core of our who we are. It is what we are about. It is what we sacrifice so much for. It is what makes our life a little more meaningful.

7. We take care of minds

We take care of our minds as much as we do our bodies. We know that it is only by having the “right” mindset can we achieve our goals. We seek to be the best people that we can. We aren’t afraid to challenge our thoughts and beliefs for greater insight into ourselves and others so that we may conquer the fears that are holding us back.

8. We are united

We understand that all life is connected. When we hurt another living being we are only hurting ourselves. We embrace our running community with open arms. We treat everyone with kindness and respect. We don’t harbor judgment and resentment toward others. When we see another runner on the roads, trails and track we acknowledge them with a smile, a nod or a simple hello, just to say, “I see You”. I am a runner too.

9. We rest

We are honest with ourselves when we need a day off and we take it. We understand that a part of training is allowing our body, mind and spirit to rejuvenate. We rest when we need to and then charge on.