Who Inspires You to Run Happy? With a Full Brooks Outfit Giveaway!
The following post is sponsored by Brooks Running. For our sponsored post policy, click here.
Brooks asked me to answer “Who inspires you to run happy?” for this post, and 1) I ADORE the topic, and 2) it took some thought. I mean, who doesn’t inspire me to run these days?!
The other FBGs are certainly amazing motivational factors in my everyday life. My gym is a constant source of inspiration to be better at, well, everything. My family and other friends are incredibly supportive of my happy fit endeavors and are even game to try new workouts and do races with me. And gosh knows that Ryan and my pup Siena are always down for a run (even if Ryan and I can’t technically run “together,” we always encourage each other to get out there, which helps us both to run happy).
How could I pick just one? They all help make me, well, me. And when I’m feeling the most me, I run the happiest. And it’s not like I can say “everyone I know” inspires me! Well, I guess I could, but that seems like an easy out.
And then I gave it some more thought. And expanded my circle of inspiration to the obvious, glaring choice. The group of people who have been here for the past six-plus years, sharing their successes, triumphs and everything in between. The people who have read about my crazy adventures year after year — and come back day after day to read more, learn more and be more. The ladies on social who are sharing tips and tricks with us and cool stories and just, well, everything!
Yes, you dear readers, are my run-happy inspiration! OF COURSE YOU ARE!
You have been there for me through first races, butt injuries, training, not-training, all of it! And it’s all of your success stories that inspire me and your words of encouragement that keep me going. Just like Erin and I write about in our book, inspiration is truly a circle. You put it out there, and you get it back tenfold. And that is certainly the case with you guys. Seriously.
So as a token of my inspirational appreciation for helping me to run happy, we’d like to give one lucky reader a full Brooks Running outfit. Yep, you get to pick a Brooks top, bottom and shoe to give you the ultimate run happy outfit. (Need help picking? I’d sooo go PureProject anything!) And as the circle of inspiration goes, that outfit will probably inspire you to run happy, which’ll inspire me again, which … well, you get the awesome point.
Ready to win it?! Yeah ya are. Leave a comment with who inspires you to run happy, and we’ll pick a lucky U.S. reader to win in about a week! —Jenn
Comments
Inspired by knowing if I get fit, stay fit and lean to love it I’ll be a fit person and enjoy my life, all of it.
My grandmother inspires me to run happy. She was in a bad car accident in her 30s and has had trouble walking since so when I think of her I know that I am very lucky to be able to run the way I do.
My daughter inspires me to run happy. At the tender age of 5, she sees me putting in the miles on the treadmill while she does programming at the Y and she wants to run with me in the races. Very cool!
The ladies in my running group and especially my coach Athena! If it wasn’t for running with them, my running times would not have improved so greatly. I push myself to compete against/keep up with them, but really I am pushing myself to be better than I ever was before! It is all about producing a better/faster version of myself!
My boyfriend – it sounds cheesy, but going out for morning runs and following up with some coffee and breakfast on a Saturday is a wonderful way for us to connect!
I run for myself! It is amazing how I have learned to trust my body and let it show me I can be better. Running is my stress relief, my therapy, and inspires me to go longer and stronger. It took me 6 months to run a non-stop 5k, and I have since ran 14 5k races! Now I am working toward a 10k. My body. And mind thank me!
My kids! That might sound odd, considering that part of the reason I enjoy running is to get a little break from them. But ultimately, setting a healthy example for them is a huge reason that I run.
Some long distance friends inspire me to run happy – we decided to train together for a half marathon Labor Day weekend and keep up through group texts in order to motivate and cheer each other on. They inspire me to keep going!
I have lots of inspiration to run happy…my friends, my sons… Now that my boys are teenagers, it is even more important for me to stay active to set a good example but also so I can keep up with them! We do lots of activities together…kayaking, standup paddleboarding, wakeboarding…and I never want to be that mom on the sidelines watching!
My Dad! He turns 66 this year and he still runs 4 + miles most days of the week. We recently ran in a race together and both placed first in our age group! I never felt more proud to be a runner or more proud to have such an inspiration in my life. I hope and pray that I am fortunate to have the good health that my father has.
My mama inspires me to run happy! She makes the most of every minute of her life, creating happiness for herself and everyone around her 🙂
I recently came across this website: http://www.whoirun4.com/ and I thought it was very inspirational! I run and am active for those people who don’t have the ability to do so themselves. You can find a whole new purpose for running by connecting personally with someone who physically can’t.
My dogs! They’re never more happy than when they’re running!
One of my best friends is a hardcore runner and all around athlete. i will probably never be as fast as her, but she still inspires me to get out there and keep improving!
I’m inspired by all of the women older than me that I see continuing to make fitness a priority and continue to look and feel great. I’m 45 years young and happy to be gettin after it!
I am inspired by all those around me who have made me realize that I can, too, be fit and healthy after years of eating all of the wrong things. Especially, my best friend who challenged me to run a 5K with her, and my trainer, who always pushes me to do things I never thought I could.
My sister inspires me! She has ran 4 half marathons & is training for a marathon. She 8 years younger than I am but she is my inspriation to keep running.
My boyfriend inspires me to run fit. He joined the army this last January and tells me to keep up on my running so he has a running buddy when he gets back.
My husband inspires me to be healthy, as well as the children that we will one day have. I want to be healthy so that I can live a long, happy and healthy life! 🙂
My dogs inspire me to run happy. I have had two ACL repairs and I’m reluctant to start running again, but when I take the boys for a walk, occasionally their exuberance gets me going and I just have to give in. I usually end up breathless and giggling because their doggy joy is just so contagious.
My sister. She helped put together a 5k program for me and continues to inspire me to be active.
My sisters! Doing races with them makes running so fun and enjoyable! Great bonding time and happy memories!
My running club friends inspire me
I have to say that it’s myself, or my “old” self. Whenever I need some inspiration I think of how I was before being in shape, how bad I felt, how hard it was to be active at first, and that always motivates me to keep going.
One of my best friends just went through a huge transformation body-wise and it was so incredible seeing her confidence, happiness, and energy just sky rocket. I want to do the same!!
My dog Coco inspires me to run happy. She is ALWAYS up for a run… in fact, every morning when she hears me waking up, she rockets off the bed, looks back at me to make sure I’m getting up, then runs to the front door with a look that says, “I’m excited and ready to go, aren’t you?” She loves it so much, we now run every morning no matter what… I can’t deprive Coco (or myself) of the happiness of running and getting the day off to a great start. 🙂
My mental health. If I can’t run happy, then no one is happy is home! 🙂
My mom inspires me to run happy – she is so dedicated and LOVES to run, it inspires me to love it too!
My dad inspires me to run. He’s the one who helped me get started running as a teenager. He’d mark off the miles by quarter mile and we’d jog a quarter mile, walk a quarter mile, jog a quarter mile, walk a quarter mile…eventually we worked up to running a half mile, then a full mile, then the full distance. He’s since had both of his knees replaced and can no longer run, but I try to give gratitude for my two working legs every time I go out for a run, and the man who inspired me to take up running in the first place.
My family! I want to be healthy so I can spend time with them.
My best friend Jaime inspires me to run happy. We’re training for our first 10K this fall!
Although im MOTIVATED by so many people around me, I’m inspired by what my future self could be. I love challenging myself to go out on runs, but I’m all my biggest critic and competition. I’m currently training for my first marathon and every time I have a hard run I just think of how awesome I will feel when I actually accomplish it
I’m inspired by all the bloggers that are around my age and have dealt with the same body issues. I keep their blogs open in my browser to be inspired daily!
My boyfriend and best friend inspire me to run happy!!!! They are both fit-minded individuals who encourage my physical exploits! They understand the obstacles and also the successes, and always support me.
My fiance inspires me to stay active, eat well, and live as healthfully as possible so I can enjoy every single day of our lives together and continue to have many many more days with him. My mother inspires me – over the years she has had a hip replacement and two knee replacements and each time she amazed her doctors with the speed of her recovery after each surgery (by the way, she is now 80 years old and still works out a couple times a week). All of my running friends inspire me each in their own way, all of us sharing our successes and our setbacks. On my bad days it helps to be reminded that I am not alone, and that one failure is not the end of the world. On my good days it feels so wonderful to share that with people who truly understand.
My Fiancé inspired me to up my milage when I was afraid to venture beyond the 5-mile mark by convincing me that I could, in fact, run further. He continues to inspire me by asking, “How was your run?” every day and actually listening to the details of my daily trek 🙂
My friend who is much faster, fitter and a true running veteran inspires me. I’m also inspired by people who are older than i am, but who choose to life a fit and healthy lifestyle
My 66-year old dad inspires me. He’s a prostate cancer survivor, has diabetes, has recently had kidney stone surgery and hernia surgery in the last year and just started running after he saw me run a half marathon in 2013. Since that time, he completed a few 5k’s, 10k’s and just recently completed two half marathons. He’s a SENIOR CITIZEN!!!! In fact, he even paces a few 5K races at a 12:00/min pace! He’s lost over 30 pounds and is such an inspiration! He may not run fast or have the best form, but he’s an amazing person…and he’s my Dad, my hero and of course a great running partner!
My future senior-self inspires me to run! I want to be strong and independent in my senior years, so running is part of the plan to get there.
My husband! He always whoops me when we run together so I’m trying to get faster so I can keep up!
Who inspires me to run happy? My #1 running buddy with an extra 2 feet…my dog Camo. He is the happiest runner; No matter what time or what day, he is always ready to go. He is my motivation to keep running and to have a good time even if I occasionally trip over him 😉
My dad passed away at 42 years from diabetes and my mom has struggled with the disease and it’s repercussions for most of my life. I was turning 32 this year and already I am pre diabetic. With my wonderful husband and three precious kids at home, I decided that I needed to do something to ensure that I was around to see all of the milestones in their lives that my father missed in mine. So, that is my inspiration!
My dad inspires me to be healthy and to always do my best and that translates into running! I love to make my dad proud and feel accomplished when I see him smiling at me when I reach the end of a race!
My husband, my father & my daughter all inspire me to run and keep going!
My kids…who deserve the best version of their mom which only exists when she is healthy and fit!
I’m inspired by my fit friends. I’m inspired by being a fitter version of myself. I’m inspired by constantly challenging myself. I’m inspired by my need to to make a bad day all right and to make a good day even better. At the end of a run, when my bad ankle is aching and I have a sweat running down my face, I’m inspired to be a happier and better human being.
I’m so inspired by the running community around me! In my little neighborhood in Dallas, I see groups of elite runners from the nearby running store, moms pushing strollers (sometimes double strollers!) on runs, older men and women still lacing up their shoes, people running in the heat and in the rain. It inspires me to see people prioritizing fitness and being healthy. I love it.
I always try to run happy because I know I will feel so much better after the run is over. The runner’s high is a great thing.
I don’t have runners in my family but have been so inspired by reading another blogger’s running adventures for quite a while now. Seems every week she is running another race or marathon and with her family and business, I am so in awe of how she does it. Thanks STUFT Mamma for inspiring me with your daily posts!
My dad! He ran his first marathon at 57 and helped me get started
I participate in a group called I RUN 4. Runners, walkers, and athletes of all levels are matched with a buddy. Each buddy is a child or adult with a disability or challenge. In November, I was matched with an amazing buddy named Easton. Easton is a year old and lives in Georgia and has Osteogenesis Imperfecta which is commonly known as brittle bone disease. His mom and I communicate via facebook and I dedicate my runs, workouts and races to Easton. I participate mostly in obstacle course races and send him medals or my bibs from each race. Easton has been through a lot in his first year and is still a happy little man. He is learning to use a wheelchair, crawl and pull himself up. Seeing his progress brightens my days, his mom has become a great friend to me and I am inspired to try harder. Easton works hard every week in therapy and it inspires me to give my all when I’m out there. I RUN 4 EASTON!
Inspired by future-me! Running is part of a process to becoming the person I want to be, and I’m embracing that.
Honestly, I’m my biggest inspiration. No external people or factors inspire me to run happy; I run because it makes me happy and has for 20 years.
My daughters inspire me to run. . .Allie is 10 and Jenna is 7, and I am constantly amazed at how athletic they are and how hard it is to keep up with them!
So many people inspire me to run. But to “run happy”…my dog, Jax!!! He’s a middle-aged dog who usually acts like an old man…but when he sees me put on my running gear, he turns into a pup! His excitement is SO contagious that my run with him is guaranteed to be great. I just know he’s saying, “Oh, boy! We’re going on a run! BEST. DAY. EVER!”
My Dad inspires me to “run happy.” When I was growing up, he always made time in his schedule for running. He encouraged me to be active and still encourages me today. He has been a great fitness mentor through the years.
I’m inspired to run happy because I spent years and years not being able to run and then a bunch more time too skinny to exercise much. Running is one of the things that shows me how much I’ve healed.
I’m inspired to run happy because its one of the ways I can tell how much I’ve healed.
My Dad is running his first 5K this Sunday! He has always been my biggest fan and is so supportive of my running career, knowing that he’ll be at the finish line with a big hug always inspires me to run faster. I can’t wait to return the favor this weekend!
My boyfriend inspired me in a weird roundabout way to run dirt trails! I love it. He mountain bikes and took me a few times. Although mountain biking is not my ‘thing’ those same trails offer a running paradise, a place to disappear into the trees and slip away from it all.
I’m inspired to run happy because life is too short to to sit still. Both my parents died at a young age without having the opportunity to do what made them happy. Their short lives inspire me to keep going as long as I can.
My sister inspires me to run happy!
I run my happiest on a cool morning surrounded by God’s beautiful workmanship and my longtime, steadfast running buddies!
My best friend & fur baby Molly who just recently passed away always inspired me to run happy. She was almost 13 and couldn’t go for walks anymore so I would take her out in the stroller I bought her last year and we were planning on doing every doggie run we could find this summer until she was diagnosed with lp in April.
My older sister also inspires me! She runs a lot of half marathons and always said that she’d never do a marathon but in December for her 40th birthday she signed up for one and just finished it a couple weeks ago.
Hey, that picture shows the shoes I’m wearing RIGHT NOW!
I have a hard time picking just one inspiration. My biggest inspiration is probably my 4-year-old, who encourages me when we go out walking and running together (mostly walking right now, and until after the baby’s born–at least for me!)and races me at the same time. My other major inspirations are my two younger children, who I also hope to teach a joy of running!
I spent about 32 years HATING running, though I did get my walking speed up pretty high, and then I decided I needed to try it with a very slow and steady approach to building the muscles and stamina necessary. Even then, for the first several months I ran, I hated it. I pushed through and learned an easier way to keep breathing, and suddenly, I could enjoy it! I don’t want my kids to have to struggle with it as I have for as long as I have, so I am inspired to be a runner they can see and learn from!
Who inspires me?? My oldest son Ryan. You do. Thank you!!
As a healthcare provider, I am inspired by many of my patients. I am inspired both by those who overcome immense obstacles to get back to physical activity, and also by those who are unable to… who make me want to keep moving simply because I am able to.
My family inspires me to Run Happy! There’s the old saying, “If momma ain’t happy …” Well, it’s definitely true in our house. My husband will practically push me out the door to run when he knows I’m feeling stressed. And if I tell my daughter we’re going to go for a run in the stroller, she will make sure we go! She doesn’t let me forget, and she cheers me on as we go.
My mom! For years, she’s struggled to lose weight, and it’s yoyo-d up and down, and now? She and I are the same size (something that has actually NEVER happened) – I’m so proud of her, and everytime I’m running unhappily, I just think of her and how hard she worked, and how happy she is now, and I run a little happier 🙂
1. My best friend and matron of honor Kayla! She and I go running twice a week and workout together through the rest of it. We started about a year ago, and we haven’t been able to stop since. She’s studying abroad in England starting in September, so we have to motivate each other from across the ocean!
2. My fiance, my wedding, and me! Though my fiance loves my body as it is, my wedding (in about six weeks!) has been motivating me to keep running. I want to be my best self when I marry him, and for me, that means being a happy and healthy FBG.
3. My mom. She and I have long worked to keep the depression that runs in our family at bay. Most of the time it works, and so I’m motivated by her fight and by leaving depression in the dust.
My doggy! He’s an active guy, so it’s important for me to get him out of the house so he can use up his energy.
My mom inspires me to Run Happy. Everytime I get too caught up in hitting certain paces or distances I talk to my mom and am reminded why I do all this…because running is fun! My mom runs because she loves it 🙂
I have a 10 year old I run with. She inspires me because she runs purely for the joy of it. (Though, let’s be honest, it might be a little bit because of her hot pink running shoes! Either way it is good to be reminded that running alone is fun, and not just a means to an end.
I am really inspired not by a single person, but by the running community as a whole. One day I might be inspired by the person who overcame all odds to run/complete a race; the next day it might be an elite athlete’s performance, or a friend who runs for a cause. I’m inspired to meet new friends and beat my personal bests. Some days, I’m inspired by the simple fact that I CAN run, and that is such a blessing.
My gal pal, Steph…she started doing it and got me to try it. And then I’ve gone from there – liking how I feel after I accomplish new and harder things.
My kids actually are the ones that inspire me, I see so much joy in them when they are out running around it makes me want to get out and run around more with them, and run in general.
I’m inspired by a number of people, but I think what really got me started was the Marathon Bombing last year. As a Massachusetts native and Watertown resident, it was all very close to home, and I am continually inspired by the runners and spectators who keep running and supporting runners even after such a horrible event.
My friend Ben! We just ran a 5K and now training for longer.
My BFF Cori! Many years ago she pushed me to the Nike Womens Marathon her and even though I was never a long distance runner I did it and pushed through it.
My husband! We always run together and love it! The outdoors are just so gorgeous, how can’t you enjoy it with your best friend!? 🙂
My family, they support my training and understand how running keeps me sane!
My husband inspires me to run. He started a few years ago and has completed over 10 marathons and an ultra. I was able to complete a handful of half marathons and one full marathon under his guidance. My goal was 4:30 and we crossed the line together at 4:29:36! He really pushed me along at the end with my last mile being in the 8:30 range. I won’t run another full marathon but still enjoy lacing up my shoes and hitting the road around town.
My old high school coach inspired me to start running and to love it. Now days, I inspire myself and get inspired by other runners that I see at races.
My best friend. She just started running a year ago and I managed to talk her into a marathon this fall!! It’s perfect for both of us to have motivation AND accountability! I can’t wait to cross the finish line with her.
My dog inspires me to run happy. I know that may sound odd but I first started running/jogging when I would take my dog for a walk in the park. I’d see runners with their dogs so I started and it was fun. I loved running with my dog and he would motivate me to go farther. He was having fun so I didn’t want to stop and I’d go farther and farther. I now run without him on most days because I’ve gotten to a point where I run distances that he can’t handle but I still run with him when the weather is nice about once a week.
My husband inspires me to run – he tore both his achilles, yet after lots of rehab is back out there running like crazy again
I’m currently 6 months pregnant with a little girl. The daughter I am carrying inspires me to be fit an to be a healthy role model.
My dog domino inspires me to run. He loves it so much and gets so excited when he sees his leash.
It’s hard not to get inspired!
My children inspire me. I want to be healthy and have more energy for them.
My boyfriend inspires me to run. I love running with him, he always gives me so much support, motivation, and a good challenge!
Without a doubt, my Mom. She was into running and fitness long before it was cool. Despite multiple health problems (Ulcerative Colitis and now a cyst in her spine) she keeps running and trying new things. She is in her 60s and just (painful cyst and all) ran her 4th marathon in WI.
I am SO proud of her and simply adore her for continuing to push herself and not settling.
Without a doubt, my Mom. She was into running and fitness long before it was cool. Despite multiple health problems (Ulcerative Colitis and now a cyst in her spine) she keeps running and trying new things. She is in her 60s and just (painful cyst and all) ran her 4th marathon in WI.
I am SO proud of her and simply adore her for continuing to push herself and not settling.
My friend Jen. She’s really down to earth and inspires me to try new things.
I inspire me to run. I spend most of my life doing things for other people…running is for me.
My Mom is my inspiration. I started running to get back in shape after babies. She was so proud of each and every running milestone I reached. She passed away unexpectedly in December and my running got a little derailed. I now run for her. I want to continue to make her proud. When I run it is my quit time with her. I can feel her pushing me on. She was with me when I ran the Gate River Run in March. I run to make her proud and to be an inspiration to my two girls. I want them to have the kind of mom I had.
My little boy inspires me to run. To show him how to be healthy, how to challenge and push yourself, how to have fun.
I am inspired by all of those who can’t run, and those who continue to run despite various physical and mental challenges. When I think about something like the 2013 Boston Marathon, I think about all those who couldn’t finish the race, and all of those who lost the ability to ever race again. When I run I feel so very lucky that I have the ability to run, to participate in such a challenging and joyful activity. I hope that all people, regardless of their situation, will have the opportunity to run or race in some way. I feel extreme gratitude every time I step out for a run, and that makes me Run Happy.
This is super cheese – but the thought of having future kids helps me to run happy. I am trying with my husband right now and know the healthier I can be, the better it will be for all of us.
Sister in law inspires the heck outta me!!
My three kiddos cheer me on from the triple stroller. “Faster Mommy!” It’s their favorite phrase and it keeps be going!
I run happy when I am outdoors. Mostly on trails. It makes me feel free and happy! So, I guess nature makes me run happy!
My coworker inspires me to run everyday! We snap chat each other running pictures on our runs which makes it fun and interesting. Because of her daily running talks and advice she gives me I went from running a minute at a time to running three miles. I am signing up for my first race soon and I never thought I would see the day. In high school I shuttered at the thought of doing the mile run! I love pushing my body to new limits and learning about a sport that requires your body and your brain!
My son! To be as healthy as I can for him. And my work–because it’s only as good as I am strong.
I inspire myself to run happy. This past year has been really rough with a lot of losses, jobs, friends, family. Running has been my own escape and helps to keep my sanity. When I run, I feel free and it gives me time to think. If I am upset or depressed, I put on my shoes and music and just go,
My inspiration to “run happy” and lead an active lifestyle is mainly internal. It is my belief that the best and most sustainable motivation comes from within. However, I will admit that it doesn’t hurt to have a supportive spouse to look forward to meeting a the gym five days a week.
So, so many great comments and Run Happy stories — love it! And our lucky Brooks Running winner is …
Elle — #85
Congrats, Elle! Emailing you now to get your picks, sizes and mailing address! Thanks to ALL who entered!
—FBG Jenn
Great question. My friends inspire me to run. They also encourage me. After a long work day, I am tired and would rather go home, however, when we hit the trails together, we talk, laugh and encourage each other. By the end of our run, we are re-enerized and happy we did it. The main reason my friends are inspiring is that they represent different age groups. The range is 20’s to 50’s all out their inspiring me to be the best I can be.
Between my husband, our dogs, friends, other folks out being active, the excitement of achieving fitness goals, and the beautiful location of the Sierra Nevadas, I have a lot of inspiration to run happy!
My fiancé. He is always pushing me and motivating me to keep going which comes in handy on those days where I don’t want to do my run!
My husband, who is a two-time marathoner and inspires me every day!
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