What's Awesome Wednesday!

Another wordy, picture-less post (sorry), but I have to tell you about an amazing woman I met yesterday.

The Husbeast took me along while he ran errands which included picking up his textbooks for summer classes. There was a friendly woman helping, despite my best ADHD moments of, "Look! There's Haruki Murakami's book, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running! I want to read that! What class is that for? They're so lucky!"

So, the lady, Beth, finds the few books Tim needs, then proceeds to ask about the running book. I told her what I've heard about it, and how it's on my list, and then she says she recently lost 150 lbs and just started running, and wants to run the Indy Mini next year.

To which I nearly leapt out of my skin with excitement for her.

And then I did something this shy girl rarely does: I gave out my name and number, and told her to call me any time she wants a running buddy, and that I'd run anywhere, any pace if she needs company.

It got me so excited to see someone who decided to make a change, and did it. Beth told us peer pressure from friends and doctors was guiding her towards bariatric surgery, but she wanted to make a real change, not a quick fix.

And then she DID it. She still has more weight to lose, but can I get a "HOW AWESOME IS BETH? SUPER AWESOME!!!!"

People like Beth are the role models our nation needs right now. Quick fixes don't change long-term problems; hard work Does.

Beth, I may never see you again (but I hope I do- I hope we can run together!), but I hope she knows that she made an impact, and it brings me such joy to see someone on a journey like this. I hope my encouragement will at least ring in her ears and get her to sign up for the Mini.

Way to go, bookstore Beth!!!