Me, sister Grace, brother Andy
Post my first half marathon: Zion Half Marathon March 2014
My brother Andy, who I have also referred to as my "Runner Brother Andy" inspires me. His wife Loya is dogmatic and persistent in her support of him. They make a fantastic team. Together, they have led their family into a lifestyle of adventure, fitness, and can-do-it-ism that is impressive and exciting.
In 2011, Andy decided to participate in an Ultra Marathon, a 50-miler called Man Against Horse that takes place in Prescott, Arizona. During this particular year, a documentary called "For 50 Miles" was being filmed. Andy had never run this type of an event before and so this was an exciting, eye-opening challenge, and it was definitely a challenge.
In talking to my brother since his participation and completion of this event, I have found inspiration in his perseverance, in his push through, and in his quest to finish. He came in last, in the dark, headlamp on, but he finished. There were race obstacles along the way, where he barely missed cut off times so closely that he was able to beg, steal and borrow a continuance onward and push-through purely out of desire,willpower and the support and push of his wife. I don't know why or how the people let him through, but they did. He told me they weren't happy about it, but at this point he was in it to the finish. He met people along the way that helped to pace him and that inspired him.
Mile Post 40: 10 miles from the finish, telling him he couldn't continue
During the course there was pain, and sweat, feet that hurt and knees that ached, blisters and swelling, dirt, wet socks, and a body that somehow pushed through to the end. My brother is a finisher and if given the opportunity to continue, even under duress and uncertainty, he moves forward.
I am proud of my brother. I think he is amazing and he has inspired me onward to doing tough things, things that make dreams and goals and desires come true, things that help me to achieve and excel to new heights I haven't previously dreamed of.
2014: At my first 1/2 Marathon: 13.1 miles: DONE
This chica is a FINISHER
Andy did something tough, something hard. He can do hard things. I did something tough. I can do hard things. WE can do hard things.
Don't give up on the things you want most for what is most convenient or easy in the moment.
Don't shy away from failure or from pursuing difficult things.
Don't be afraid of hard work and training and perseverance.
Do chase the things you are passionate about.
Do seek out to challenge your mind and your body.
Do throw your head to the sky and howl with delight as you move forward and push through and achieve.
Love the life you live. Live the life you love. Become the human being YOU want to become.
You can do hard things, you just have to choose.
In the attached video you'll see Andy and/or Loya at :49, 1:07-1:13, 1:23-1:29, 1:36-1:41; 2:11-2:17.
Andy: One of My Inspirations
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