Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Guest Blogger: Marlo Taylor

Corrie's note: Every once in a while, I am going to give you a break from what's in my head and ask someone to share their thoughts on Run Strong.  This week's guest blogger is Marlo Taylor, my incredible sister, and one of the fabulous brave souls that has agreed to run with me.  Marlo, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and for being the world's best sister.  This week, I also want to say a special thank you to the wonderful Sandra C. for joining the list of blog followers and to a long-time friend and amazing soul, Becky J., for your message of encouragement that made my week.

So, with no further ado, I give you Marlo (thanks for running with me).
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Let’s be clear: I am not a runner.

At different times in my life, I have aspired to be one. I have tried to be one. And, I have even thought – very very briefly – that I was one.

But, the truth is that running and I have an uneasy relationship at best. On most runs, I complain and curse and fight every step. My iPod’s sole mandate is to drown out the sound of my own complaining.

I do understand, however, that that’s not really the kind of message to be found here at Run Strong and am 100% certain that that’s not what Corrie was hoping for when she asked me to contribute to this effort.

So, why start out with disclaimers, and grumpy ones at that? Well, one, because it’s honest, and two because I am going to do this run anyway. I am going to be there for Corrie. I absolutely want people to know about and support Interim Place, but I am doing this for my sister.

I read a quote somewhere that said “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” So, my sister has asked for our help, and I will not refuse. My sister is this kind of person. She’s a leader dedicated to leaving the world a better place. And when someone like that asks you to come along, you go.

So, bring it on, cold days. I will look for the sunshine behind the snow bank. Bring it on, wet shoes. I will let each step remind me of all of those who can’t just turn the corner and head for a warm and safe home. Bring it on, long, long road. I will celebrate this journey as I celebrate the journey of the women Corrie is so committed to helping. And I will do all of that because she asked me to.

5 comments:

  1. I really liked this post - great attitude. I would offer the following quote I heard though, "We are all runners - some train and some don't". To me, any endurance sport is about good attitude (You got it), determination (I know you have that!), and consistency (sounds like you have that too!). Bottom line: Love the journey and I have no doubt that the outcome will be success (success = awareness, fund raised, health, and a BIG smile at the end of this particular journey). Mike - GoodGuysTri.ca

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  2. Excellent honest blog Marlo. I can see it now, you guys running and finishing the run and me, the runner that doesn't train, and doesn't run, cheering you guys on, all the way. Corrie, you even have your mother training to run. OMG! Love, Dad.

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  3. I agree with Mike: It sounds like you guys are both runners to me! So knock 'em dead, ladies. And by 'em, I mean those of us lazy asses who don't run no matter how much there may be a runner deep, deep (waaaay deep) inside us. Now where did I put that cookie...?

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  4. Marlo thank you for acknowledging that running is not a friend to us, but also thank you for reminding me that when its worth the battle we'll be up for the task! Run on Corrie!!!!

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  5. You rock Mar !!....... I will be the one, holding a beer for
    you, at the finish line ! All the best to you during this
    "marathon journey" with Cor :) Sue

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