A group member shared this video with me for a class presentation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGeHXP24E0E

It really touched me because running is such a big part of my life. I hope to be able to advocate for kids to participate in extra-curricular activities like this. I shared it with my fiance and he said, "Runners are just like that. They accept everyone no matter how fast you are because you all go through the same tough stuff." (he means the workouts and races) "It's the one sport where everyone can compete and belong."

He really just hit it on the head. Running is just this crazy goal-oriented thing. Everyone who runs has a goal. Some people want to run faster, set a new personal record, try a new event, lose weight, stay healthy, relieve stress and the list goes on. Achieving those goals is very fulfilling but through the years, I gained an appreciation for the success of others. watching a teammate, a friend, or now, in my life as a (soon to be) PT, a patient and their family, is even more rewarding. To this day, when I watch any kind of championship sporting event on TV (or even in movies) I start to tear up as I watch the person/people react to achieving their goal.

Running really does bring people together. I've learned this more as I've transitioned from running on a team to running on my own. I am so excited whenever I meet someone that I might be able to run with! It brings people from all different walks of life together; they have something in common now. And running may be the only thing they do have in common, but that is what is so great about it. Some of my best and longest friendships are with people I have met through running. Life goes on, paths take you different place but you always have that one thing in common. It's one of those "great equalizers." This story and video relate to just that:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/02/heroes.mahlum/index.html and http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/02/heroes.mahlum/index.html#cnnSTCVideo)

With this post, I really just wanted to share the above video because I feel like it just fits me. It's my two strongest interests all rolled into one. It's just one of those stories that hit me at the right time to keep that spark going.

Adapted programs are great. They really are. Their purpose of promoting fitness for persons who need accommodations and they do just that. But why should we limit ourselves? Not everyone needs or wants accommodations and kids can succeed in traditional sports if someone will just give them a chance.