As much as I love Holiday Baking, talking Gluten Free, and rounding up Workouts to share, I need a mini break today. You see, I’m Corny Cotter. I share my heart here. I like to be real. I probably wouldn’t keep blogging if I didn’t have that outlet. True story here folks. So when my lovely friends at Attune Foods sent me an invitation to write about a #FitClean fitness role model in my life (via the blogging world), the jumped on it! The purpose behind this invitation was simply a way to pay forward your gratitude. Talk about a literal THANKS GIVING and perfect for this SLOW DOWN season.
So here I am today, thinking about ALL the amazing people who inspire me. There are lots and you ALL know who you are! (Let’s not forget the KIWI). But when I think back on this year, I have one person in mind that has inspired me her ability to adjust, her ability to embrace new passions, and to stay balanced (yet realistic) through it all!
But before I tell you who this person is, let’s talk about what she represents.
An Inspirational Runner………
- is NOT defined by speed of her pace but by the way she runs with grace.
- is NOT defined by their weekly mileage, but by her weekly effort.
- is Not defined by the number of races they have done, but rather the number racers or Training Partners they have encouraged.
An Inspirational Runner………
- see’s running as a privilege, not an obsession.
- uses their strengths to embrace her weaknesses!
- runs for the love of the sport, not for a personal PR (although that would be nice!)
- fuels their body, not their ego.
And finally, an Inspirational Runner………
- Has a JOYOUS PASSION, not only for running, but for LIFE!
I’ve come to realize that being present and being true to yourself is really all you need to inspire someone. It’s about being real, being confident, and living life.
So thank you SARENA for being my INSPIRATION this year! Keep being YOU.
What defines an Inspirational Runner to you?
Who’s been your fitness/wellness/running role model this year?
Cheers,
Corny Cotter
Wh
Beautifully said!! A lot of runners need to read this 🙂 Thank you for always inspiring us!!
Big hug friend!
Love that last one! And we all know running gives you endorphins! So ya better be lovin’ life. 🙂 Its definitely wonderful energy to be around someone like this.
btw, i need your running trails. they look serene and fun!
oh i wish you could come run with me too! that would make my year!
Love Sarena 🙂 She is such an inspiration, as are YOU!
all my BLENDS are! <3
This is amazing. She really is inspiring!
I feel like there are so many people who have been huge role models to me this year, each with different aspects of my life and in training. YOU are one of them, your hard work, dedication and positive outlook is incredible.
oh friend, you are such an amazing woman. Cannot thank YOU for your support and inspiration!
I love corny and I love this post! So many inspirational runners out there. To me, it’s all about the heart and soul that they pour into doing what they love and encouraging/supporting others along the way.
like you. You always have that perspective. Love that about you
To me an inspiration runner is not necessary about the pace, but rather about the effort and dedication. People who are out there running and training each day even when it would be easy to give up, they inspire me to keep going.
Yes!!! We’ll said friend
Couldn’t agree more with your definition.
Cheers to you both (with non-dairy of course), which only leaves… WINE?
You know it!!
THIS is why I love your blog…and you! Thank you for the beautiful inspiration you provide <3
And I love you and your heart Danica !!
This is great buddy- Never forget how inspiring YOU are too.
isn’t Miley yours twerking inspiration? hehe i kid.
So many people have inspired me this year…the list is too long, but YOU are obviously one of them…DUH!
The feeling is mutual friend
Don’t have a comment that would do this post justice, so just commenting with a “smile” 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!! I had no idea when I came here that this was going to be the lady that is so so so friggin sweet to me on IG!!! OMG – love!! I can see why you picked her!! Great post & choice Lindsay!
For me – my inspirations are all you out there that help me thru each day with your virtual love!
Yes!! So true friend and you are on my list, so thank u
*blushing*
You are my inspiration for health on ALL levels. (0:
We keep each other real! Love u
I LOVE this post! Couldn’t agree more!
Working out and running (and walking in general) is such a privilege!! I have always been so thankful, and now more than ever because I have a bum foot (fractured – BAHHHH 🙁 )
Oh no!! Heal fast friend
Aw I love this!! Everything about this is true. YOU are an inspiration my friend!
oh girl, I feel the same about you! such heart!
WOHOOO I love your definition of an inspirational runner, I couldn’t agree more!
OMG this brought tears to my eyes. I love this for so many reasons, and I agree with you that Sarena is pretty darn inspiring (and so are you my friend). I totally agree that it’s not the miles, the speed, the races. It’s all about passion and heart.
I thought you would agree!! Love u
What a beautiful and sweet post!! <3
you cotters inspire me!!! JC never stopped believing in me despite my crazy training days and somehow led me to a PR this weekend, which was TOTALLY unexpected!
Oh geez… I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one person who’s been inspirational for me — our community is full of them! So much so that reading about everyone’s passion and love for running made me lace up the old sneakers this year and start getting back into it myself. I love what you said about it being a privilege, not an obsession. After fighting my way back from a point where I seriously wasn’t able to do any exercise in the least, I can definitely say that being able to move and sweat is a big blessing.
I agree!! And am so thankful for all these wonderful people, including you friend
Right back at ya! <3
Ps yay for healthy running
You, my dear friend, are so my inspiration! This is absolutely beautiful. I can’t even begin to tell you how you’ve changed my life. I am so incredibly thankful for your guidance and friendship. Good grief I love you! “My Cup Runneth Over” xoxo
I adore you friend! Keep being u
My husband is one of my greatest fitness role models! I love supporting him, watching him excel, and asking him a million questions 🙂
looove this sara and you know that i can relate and agree! <3
What a sweet post! Sarena is a big inspiration. I’m always in awe of everything she accomplishes.
I love your piece about running being a privilege rather than obsession. Recently I’ve been pausing in the gym, aware of and grateful for the ability to DO.
lovely laura just got CORNY!
Aww, what a great post! I completely agree with your description of an inspirational runner. Great choice!
Aww this is such a great post! There are so many runners that inspire me – especially the ones I follow (aka stalk) on Instagram. They (yourself included!) never fail to make me want to work harder, aim for more, and do my best. So thank YOU! 🙂
you too friend! such a great drive and balance you have! I am thankful for your daily inspiration
This post made me so happy 🙂 I’ve never been much of a runner, but I’d like to think that I’m working toward this type of attitude when I do run. And thinking of it as a privilege is motivation to keep doing it!
i totally think this can apply to LIFE in general too, ya know? With our passions.
Love this, and love how you defined her. That’s my kind of runner. Totally agree that inspirational runners aren’t about the miles logged or speed acquired. It’s about the love of the run. That said, my inspirational runner this year is Carol Downing, whose daughters (Erika and Nicole Brannock) were so terribly wounded in the Boston bombings while she was running. Carol has shown such grace in the aftermath–I am awed by her.
oh wow! such an amazing story of heart ache and healing! true inspiration indeed
You know I love corny. Slowing down. And the sharing of inspiration. xo
(((sharing))))
i totally couldn’t agree with you more about an inspirational runner! totally NOT measured by speed and distance!!
awwwww I really love this post! I’m corny too 😉 I love my blog being my outlet 😀
You inspire ME on a daily basis, Lindsay <3
and you are another one of MINE! love YOU!
Inspirational runners run because it’s their “thing” like someone might do yoga, draw, or journal. It is their way to quite their minds and gain clarity. I agree with you…it’s not about pace, pushing through pain, or front of the pack. It’s about enjoying the beauty within you and around you. Inspirational running is about being the best you and bettering yourself through sport. This year I got a twitter account and instagram account because my everyday Facebook friends didn’t share in my passions. Through social media, I have met so many inspirational people for all kinds of reasons. I like to look at the good in people so I find inspiration in everyone. However, like you, my husband totally inspires me! Triathletes have that affect you know 🙂 Great post! You really got me thinking!
i feel like we are the same person! love that! xxoo
THAT just made my day 🙂
Great post! I think inspirational runners are those that are runnng because they love it despite other obligations. I am inspired by the people that push past limits and are fueled by their passion.
wow, yes! i agree. BIG TIME FUEL
There’s so many inspitational people out there! All of my blends inspire me so much (and yes, including YOU! :-)) – my fitness inspirations are different ones, I get a lot from the TIU girl, I pretty much love their approach. As for life inspiration it’s my Mom and my Grandma. Wise and beautiful ladies.
i want to meet you and your whole family!