Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Good Vibrations

With such an outpouring for the Virtual Run for Sherry, I started thinking a lot about runners and what an incredible bunch we are. I found myself wondering: what is it about running that not only bonds all of us, but makes us want to be better people? I was in fact inspired to do this Virtual Run for Sherry while I was running.

bethheil1

Truth be told, I do most of my deepest and best thinking while running. I have never been able to figure out why this is the case.  Is it related to the endorphins? Am I so in the moment that I my mind and spirit simply open up? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that running does magical things for people. It just makes us better. Not only in the physical sense, but in our hearts and minds too.

Running is expansive – it opens you wider than you thought you could go. It gives you courage and confidence to tackle other parts of your life that might otherwise feel unmanageable or impossible.

When I started running three years ago, it was to do a marathon. Plain and simple. To me it was only a physical endeavor, an athletic goal. Before that time, I thought running sucked. It was hard and I hated it because I’d sprint down the block and almost throw up. I had no clue you could pace yourself. I also  had no idea what would happen to my psyche once I settled into my runs and listened to my body.

For those who don’t run, I’m not sure they get it. There are a lot of people out there who not only kind of don’t like to run, but they actually HATE it. But for those of us who can’t get enough, it seems it is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical. Running is healing.

At the risk of going on and on and on about all of the support for this run, I will share this:

  • On February 11, they will be running in Spain, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Norway, Ecuador, Italy, Cuba, Venezuela, Canada, Puerto Rico and Turkey (just to name a few!)
  • Sidney, Montana is joining the virtual run, and details were in today’s Sidney Herald.
  • My ten year old brought me the only money she has in the world, $18, to donate. I actually tried to talk her out of it, telling her we’d donate as a family, but she insisted. I accepted, tears in my eyes.
  • Another little precious girl I know has taken a mini-box with “Sherry” written on it to school each day for donations.
  • I received over 200 comments today with stories of 200 different places where people will be running in groups, as couples, with their families.

There are countless stories of generosity and goodness related to this run. Share yours with me either today or after you run on 2/11.

I wish I could somehow know just how many people will run that day, but I suppose this doesn’t ultimately matter. What matters is that a huge, tremendous, mind-blowing number of us will be out there, doing what WE love because this is how we know best to give back.

Just our feet on the earth sending vibrations to heal. Thank you for joining me.

SUAR

51 comments:

  1. me and the babies can't wait! So much it is awesome to be a part of something if it helps her family see how many people care and heals their hearts just the tiniest bit it will be the greatest thing we could do!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I started running mainly because to stoke my huge ego. But once I caught on, I don't want to stop. It is healing. It calms me. It gives me clarity and it makes me happy.

    And your 10-year-old parting with the $18, you know you have a good kid there. I firmly believe in a good foundation. And your kid already has that good foundation. I hope when I have a child, he/she will have such a capacity.

    I will be running or walking with my dog that day.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This morning on my 12 miler, I was struggling mentally and wanted to quit in the first 4 miles. At about that 4th mile, my thoughts turned to you, and to Sherry's family. Just as quickly as I forgot about myself and how I can make this virtual run a success here in my little town, ( Mayfield, Kentucky) my run ended up being great....
    Can not wait to run for Sherry!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I truly feel honored to be a part of this. We're signing a poster for her! We'll mail it to you and you can do what you think is best with it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I mentioned Sherry in my post yesterday. I hope some fellow runners from MN will step up and donate...or at very least run and think and reflect on life.
    http://spinningitall.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/i-run-harder-for-them/

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I will run for Sherry on the 11th and hope to get others from my running group in Moscow, ID to join.

    Each time I read about Sherry, I tear up. I was almost her 3 years ago. I was attacked while running in Guatemala, where I was living for the Peace Corps. Luckily, I was able to fight off my attacker and escape. It hurts to know how scared Sherry must have been. It is such a frightening experience. I am so sad for her and her family that she was not able to escape. And it scares me to be reminded that this can happen here in the U.S., too. I truly just don't understand how people have the capacity to do such a thing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love all this positive energy being focused around Sherry. All the negativity and fear is being shunted right out of the picture.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The story about your daughter donating her money almost brought tears to my eyes. Love that :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I will most likely be walking because I am healing from an injury. Great post.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your daughter is so awesome, I can only hope my daughter could be just as generous and understanding as yours.

    I also wrote a post on Sherry's run in my blog, as well as posted about it on FB. My Alaskan friend will be running this, she tells me! So happy about that!

    I'll be running with Keith (of Keith's Odyssey), he's organizing the Calgary edition of Sherry's Run.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ill be running in Santa Barbara, taking time each mile to be greatful for something/someone in my life.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What an incredible post. Beautiful. It is simply awesome to see the running community joining together to honor Sherry's memory and support her family. I am looking forward to our run.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love this post! I will be running on the 11th!

    ReplyDelete
  15. it will be an honor to join you and everybody else who will hit the ground.

    I started running almost 2 yrs ago..and I was one of those people who did not get it...and I also thought running sucked and was very hard. now I dont know who I was before I started running...I wish I had started earlier..

    ReplyDelete
  16. Already signed up to do a race that day, so I am wearing two bibs, and dedicating that run to Sherry. I started running just over a year ago, and love it. I love how I feel, how my mind clears, and the unwavering support of other runners. What a great group of people!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looking forward to this global run of solidarity. Check out Nike+ and setting up a public challenge - those of us who use that system could upload our runs that day on nikerunning. It would at least track the number of Nike+ runners.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I can't wait to run for Sherry! I hope my friend & I can meet up and run. I was brought to tears when your daughter gave you her money. That's awesome! Again will be running in Indiana. If you set up the Nike+ challenge I too have and use Nike+.

    ReplyDelete
  19. "Just our feet on the earth sending vibrations to heal." - LOVE that!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am from West Fargo ND and I will run on Feb 11 for Sherry with tears in my eyes!! I love to run and I hate that this awful thing happened to someone who was out doing something she loved. I have found my self waking up at 6:30am every saturday since 1/7/12 trying to understand. As the clock ticks away 10 minutes, I say a prayer for Sherry.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have goosebumps reading this. A very bad thing happened, but so much good is coming from it. Sherry would be proud!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Beth! Jacky from Spain (yet again...). I am amazed by what you just posted and I somehow missed... have you really "only" been running for 3 years? OMG! That's amazing! I wish I could run a marathon... the day will come, but not just yet... eek!
    I too am moved by everyone involved in this and I can't wait to run. Paula, my 8 year old daughter (9 on Feb. 16th :p) says she wants to come and run as well. So I will have a running buddy :D
    Running make me release stress, anxiety, anger, frustration... it's more than a workout... it's like therapy, LOL! I started to lose weight (lots to lose yet, eek!) and just love it. Running a 5K on Sunday (had to drop the half due to injury and no training) and getting ready for tri season in the Summer :D
    Thanks Beth!

    ReplyDelete
  23. We are getting a team of families from Cohagen, MT to run the 11th for Sherry. We are a very rural area and this has also hit us hard. She will remain in our hearts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jamie in Arkansas will be running for Sherry!

    ReplyDelete
  25. We running in Libby MT in honor of Sherry :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. My husband and I and my two kids will be running for Sherry. May all of the support bring her family some peace.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'll be running for sure and with friends. I love the mental image of our feet pounding on the earth together and sending comfort and healing to her family.

    Your 10 year old brought me to tears. What awesomeness you have brought into the world.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I will be running a 5K that day and will do it in honor and memory of Sherry. Many of my online running friends are also running that day for her.

    ReplyDelete
  29. "Running is healing." I think that sums it up. Runners have a community all our own. When one of us hurts we all hurt and we are reminded it could just as easily be us one day.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I emailed your blog post about the virtual run to a runner friend. He posted it on his facebook page. This morning when I saw he had shared it and read the comments his friends had left my eyes welled up with tears. What a wonderful, supportive group the running community is. I'm a bit of a loner so I don't really "feel the love" day-to-day. Its good (and powerful) to be part of something so big and positive. I'll be running for Sherry in Va.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I will be running in Wichita falls, TX!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Your daughter has quite the heart. I will participate and be honored to run with all thoughts on Sherry and her family.

    ReplyDelete
  33. running & praying in NJ for beautiful Sherry. so sad.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I will run for Sherry while visiting my daughter in Boone, NC......may my daughter be able to run and feel safe where ever she is!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Our women's nordic ski group in Hayward, Wisconsin (Ski & Tea) will be wearing your bibs during our weekly workout. Our skis do not vibrate, but they will be caressing the snow in a big hug for Sherry and those who love her.

    ReplyDelete
  36. wow - I can feel those good vibrations all the way from Sidney, MT. Amazing!!! What an inspiration to appreciate what we are capable of doing together. Lets keep this unity going - in all that we do - to keep people happy, healthy, progressive, and safe!

    ReplyDelete
  37. What an incredibly sad story. Your 10 year old is someone to be proud of, that's for sure.

    I'll run in spirit from Pittsburgh.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Now I feel like an ass for thinking this post was going to be about vibrators.

    This is so incredibly touching! I am thrilled to see how widespread this run for Sherry will be. It's so touching when kids get involved and give what little they have for something they deem worthy. An 11 year old donated $20 she got from her birthday to my Voices for Children fundraiser last year. It was so sweet and brought tears to my eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  39. You forgot to mention the Country of Texas, we will be running too (-:

    ReplyDelete
  40. You're right about running being just as much about mental and spiritual health as it is physical... non-runners will never get that until they've experienced it for themselves.

    The hubz and I will be wearing our bibs on Saturday at the Garden of the Gods.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Man your daughter is so sweet!

    I will be running for sure in Sherry's honor on the 11th.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I will be running for Sherry in Minot, North Dakota on the 11th too.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Everyone in our family has run at one time or another. But sometimes years and health take it's toll and slow us down so we are walkers too. So on Feb. 11th our family will be running and walking in Sherry's honor. There will be at least 18 of us and we are just a part of a family that will soon be connected to yours. My niece, Jessica, is newly engaged to Sherry's nephew, Tom Arnold.

    ReplyDelete
  44. That is completely incredible! I think you are right about runners and running. My best moments of clarity have been when running. My favorite quote about running is: "Running is meditation for those who can't sit still."

    I really hope the run on the 11th is a time to celebrate Sherry's life and to help her memory live on for her kids. I know like a lot of your other followers I have been very effected by her story and I'm so happy there is a way to honor her memory. I know this must be so tough on you and know that you really are in my prayers. Sorry for such a long comment!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I know what you mean on clarity of thought. I started running 3 years ago myself. For a fellow runner, it hardly needs putting into words, I think we all get it.

    I'll be in the gym on the 11th, Sherry will be in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have printed a whole bunch of bibs and will take them down to the running club on the 11th. We get 50+ runners, joggers and walkers every week with a mixture of ages, stories, shapes and sizes all drawn together by our love of running. You and your family will definitely be in the minds and hearts of many Aussies as we run through our lakeside course.

    ReplyDelete
  47. GREAT POST!!
    Us Alberta gals are ready to rock it (i just have to get over the flu!!)
    http://fabulosi-t.blogspot.com/2012/02/virtual-run-for-sherry-arnold-february.html

    ReplyDelete
  48. My hubs & I will be running. good karma flowing towards you.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I feel the same way - I am at the most peace when I'm running! Helps us to be better - clears out the fog!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại cầu giấy
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại từ liêm
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại thanh xuân
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại hà đông
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại long biên
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại nguyễn chính thanh đống đa
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại minh khai hai bà trưng
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại bắc ninh
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại hải phòng
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại tphcm
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại quận 3
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại thủ đức
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại đà nẵng
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại biên hòa
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại đồng nai
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại nam định
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại thái bình
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại bắc giang
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại vĩnh phúc
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại thái nguyên
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại quảng ninh
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại hải dương
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại hưng yên
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại hà nam
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại ninh bình
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại nghệ an
    Trung tâm đào tạo kế toán tổng hợp Tại vũng tàu
    hoc ke toan thuc hanh

    ReplyDelete