Today was an incredible day.  I stood at the top of a 10,600 foot peak and watched as everyone from elite runners to everyday athletes crossed the finish line of the La Luz race – a grueling trail race held in the mountains in my home town.  I’ve completed the race 3 times but this year I wanted to be at the finish to see my husband finish, and to see all the other incredible finishers at the top.  It was very humid for the desert – 81% and sun at the finish.  Everyone that crossed that finish line had just completed a huge feat and, I hope, felt very accomplished.  I then came home from the race and saw that the 2006 Hawaii Ironman was being televised.  I was literally in tears by the end.  The broadcasters elaborate on the stories of some of the ‘unknown’ athletes.   Everyday people – a 76 year old nun doing her 20th Ironman, a man from Chicago running to help increase awareness of Lou Gherig’s disease, a 32 year old man that was paralyzed while training for an Ironman was competing in the wheel chair division – story after story about people going above and beyond what many of us think is even possible.  Of course, the finishers I witnessed today are a special breed – they are examples of people who are able to push themselves to the limit, and keep on going.  The Ironman has a cut-off time for each of the legs of the race, as well as for the finish.  The 76 year old nun finished with 1 minute to spare.  She then told the commentator that she wanted to be the inspiration to create an 80-84 year old age group – once she gets there!  What a great attitude!  She was one of many examples of everyday people achieving a goal they once thought was out of their reach.  But with hard work, over time they were each able to achieve something that was important to them!  These stories are inspirational and motivate me to do more.  They also make me realize how fortunate I am to have the physical ability to do whatever I put my mind to!  The feeling they have at the finish line is something we all can experience!  Everyone has their own personal race.  For me, it’s being a good mom and wife and, yes, improving my running and fitness for the rest of my life.  Most importantly, it is not losing sight of the fact that all of my blessings are gifts from God.  For you it might be crossing the finish line of a race or losing 10 pounds.  Whatever your ‘race’ is you must believe in yourself.  Find something to inspire you – look for something in yourself that no one else has and allow that to be your spark. 

Million Dollar Body is helping me in so many ways.  As a coach, I am inspired every day by members that write to me about their journey’s.  I feel honored to be a part of their ‘race’ and I get extreme satisfaction out of helping people to achieve their goals and getting to whatever their finish line may be.   If you are reading this and would like to join me as a coach, or, if I can help to keep you inspired – please visit my website at www.milliondollarbody.com/love2run.  If it sounds like something you would like to do, click on ‘Be a Coach’ and join my awesome team of coaches!  If you have questions about becoming a coach or anything else feel free to e-mail me at jlkkmc@aol.com.

God Bless and never stop reaching for the sky!!