A full running outfit (top, bottom, shoes) giveaway for your RUNNING INSPIRATION!!!

My sister in law got me into running when we stayed with them for a summer. Now I’ve run 4 halves and 1 full. It helps keep me sane, specially with a new baby in the house!

My mom definitely inspires me to run happy! She has been inspiring since I was a little girl, being a single mom and running 7 marathons all over the country when I was in elementary and middle school. I never would have started running or have run 2 marathons if it weren’t for her inspiration in terms of perseverance and support.

facebook post as well. Thanks!!

My mom inspires me to Run Happy – she is a breast cancer survivor and has lost over 100 pounds in her lifetime, and we are both running our first marathon together (NYC) this fall!

My husband is my “run happy” companion! He was so supportive of me starting to run and reminded me to take it slow when I was getting frustrated easily.

I had a cross country coach in the ninth grade who looked past my obvious non running physique and pushed me anyways. I will forever be grateful for her and what she saw in me. Fifteen years later and I am still running!!

My dog is the definition of running happy! He motivates me to get out the door all the time and I love seeing him worn out an happy after a run!

My grandmother inspires me to run Happy! She died of heart disease at an early age, and I miss her so much! I run to keep my heart healthy and happy!

November Project DC! Amazing athletes, nicest and most inspiring people ever!

My boyfriend inspires me to run happy because we met at a track meet the first year (my first ever meet as a distance runner) I ran distance in high school, over 3 years go! We run together sometimes!

My dad! We started running together a while ago and it helped us bond more than anything :) we’re always so happy after our runs-no matter how stressful our work weeks are! Nothing better than a good run with even better company!

My Godmother was the most incredibly strong woman I’ve ever known. She survived breast cancer which included having a mastectomy. The plastic surgeons used skin and fat from her belly and inner thigh to reconstruct her breast. After chemo and radiation she came out like a champ! The entire time I never hear her complain. Not a word. No “I’m really tired today.” Or “I feel really sick.” Strength – it’s what she instilled in me. Several years later her cancer came back but before she had an opportunity to fight it, she experienced a pulmonary embolism which unfortunately took her away from Earth (fear not – she’s currently hanging out in heaven eating cookies and chees. Calories don’t add up in Heaven, I’m told). Through out this process she would always tell me “You are strong, you are powerful and you are capable.” To this day that is my running mantra and what I tell myself as I am powering up hills or on the edge of a really tough mile. It expands past my running into the struggles of life and work and climbing the crazy corporate ladder. But when I think of her and I remind myself that I am Strong, powerful and capable – I certainly run HAPPY.

My friend Teresa inspires me and motivates me. Without her positive encouragement I would have NEVER attempted a half marathon or a full marathon. We are currently training together for her to BQ (hopefully!) and for me to do my second marathon – Big Cottonwood Canyon in September. She always says how great a run is with me even though I know she could have gone way faster.

Love that girl!

My husband is the one who inspires me to run. He was the one that started running. I would go to the track with him and walk/run until I could run three miles without stopping. Then some friends invited me to run with them and since then I have completed 14 marathons and many halfs, 10ks and 5ks. He still runs with me though not as often. This past spring I injured my back and developed sciatica. I can finally run again and was pondering signing up for the St. George marathon and he encouraged me to sign up, he said “What else are you going to do?” I really think he enjoys the 10 year club dinner:0)

I posted on Facebook too.

My mom came to my races as a supporter, but something about attending our local Pat’s Run one year inspired her to do it. The next year, she signed up on the first day registration was open and trained for it. We ran that race together and now we sign up for about three races a year together, always including Pat’s Run. I’m always amazed when I check our finish times and when her result comes up with her age, I’m reminded she’s 62! Never an athlete in her life, I would never guess that, she’s rocking each one she runs!

My 8 month old son inspires me to run happy! I want to be healthy and strong for him for as long as I can. I also hope to set a good example for him when it comes to exercising and eating healthy. It also helps that he absolutely loves the stroller!!

My run-spiration is knowing that not everyone actually has the capability to run and that I shouldn’t take what I love to/can do for granted, even when it seems as “simple” as putting one foot in front of the other. I run for those who can’t do it themselves. My heart is healthy and my legs are beautiful, thick legs that let me run happy. I praise God that He has given me the desire and capability to run…even when I’m as slow as a herd of turtles going through a puddle of molasses. :)

My little sister! She’s not a runner but a varsity athlete (field hockey) and seeing her work hard is super inspirational!

My mom, she’s now watching & cheering from heaven, but while running I “talk” to her & always find comfort to dig deep & keep on- with running & situations I need her advice on.

My inspiration to strive, reach, and achieve comes from so many strong women in my life (lucky me), from my mother to my fabulous sister. If I had to pick one, my dear friend Molly inspires me to be stronger and put my body and my mind first. Molly and I met 10 years ago in the tiny town of Salmon Idaho where we both lived. From there we have travelled and lived (and run!) far and wide and apart from each other but remain close. When she moved to Fort Collins CO, she snapped her Achilles and the first thing she did was buy a kayak so she could keep going. Sending me a photo of her bagged leg and big smile, snug in the boat. Five years later at the height of my trail running ability I snapped my tibia mid air off a jump and the image of Molly in the kayak sent me to the gym two days later to join and burn the recumbent bike and weight lift. And keep going.

An Ironwoman, triathelete, distance runner, border collie owner, career woman – she truly inspires. We have met for races, wine, hugs, and tears through our moves across more states and Canadian provinces than I can mention here. As of now, she is now in Anchorage, AK and I am in Coldstream, BC, to this day, she is a solid reminder that “trying hard matters.” And you can if you want to.

My friends at running club inspire me to run happy

The blogging community!

To be completely honest, I am not a runner. I can run 1-2 miles on a treadmill on a good day, but it’s not my favorite thing… I much prefer cycling. I would love to win this giveaway for my sister, who IS a runner (3x half marathon), and who has had some personal setbacks recently and has stopped running. New gear would definitely make her feel better, and would motivate her to get back out there!

My 3 kids inspire me to run and stay healthy! I want to be able to keep up with them and be around for a long time to watch them grow up!

My sister is my inspiration to run happy. She was a gymnast growing up and was very good. She was a true athlete and I never felt like one because I wasn’t very good at any sport. And then we both had kids and I convinced her to run a half marathon with me! The entire time she was so positive and encouraging, it made me feel like anything was possible and that even when I was struggling I was still rocking it.

I retweeted.

I started running after following blog and thinking hey maybe I can do this. What keeps me going is knowing there’s always something new to reach for. Running shows me that I am capable of doing things I never thought possible and I hope one day I can inspire someone else to start running.

My roommate in college was my inspiration to start seriously running, we trained together for my first 1/2. Now i am inspired by other runners, i love to read articles, blogs, magazines, anything about other runners or ways to improve running.

Entered with Facebook too!

my junior high track coach was very encouraging and supportive, but reading running blogs (like yours :)) really developed my love for running!

My running partner Shannon is my running inspiration. She encouraged me from the beginning when I was not a runner all the way through our 3rd half marathon this past spring. She is always positive, never gets tired (how DOES she do that??!) and is great at distracting me from the misery of some runs. And on mornings when we need to get up early to get our run in before it’s too hot, she will not accept “I’m too tired” or “I don’t feel like it”. It’s always “See you at 7!” I don’t know that I could have been as supportive as she has been through all my whining and complaining and kvetching and yes swearing when it gets hard and hot and I”M DONE… but I do know that it’s strengthened our friendship and we both now look forward to our runs together. It’s when we solve the worlds problems don’t you know. There’s isn’t a more inspirational friend to run with it. I could not have accomplished my running goals without her. Love you Shannon!

My friend inspired me to start running and to always push myself, but reading blogs has kept me motivated to keep running happy and pursuing my goals.

I’m inspired by all the other runners out there and their enthusiasm for the sport! I was a decided non-athlete and spectator in high school. Now, about ten years later (sigh), it feels so great to be a part of the running community!

I was an athlete in highschool but hated running. About 10 years ago I went on a quest to get healthy and a friend introduced me to running. She no longer runs but it stuck with me. All runners inspire me to run happy!

My dog Sandy inspires me to run happy. I always bring her running with me and when I’m in the middle of the run all I have to do is look at her and how happy she is to be out there running and it inspires me to keep going. She even inspires me to get some sprints in when she sees a squirrel!

My family is my running inspiration. I run to be happy and healthy and hopefully be around for a long time!

My sister Suzanne also is my inspiration. She may not be the fastest gal out there, but she’s out there consistently. I didn’t know her much growing up because she is 17 years older than me. But when she was pregnant with her 4th and 5th, I was newlywed finishing up school at the Y. We became fast friends when she visited my tiny basement apartment with her 3 kids in tow, and her big pregnant belly. Her youngest kids and my oldest are now best friends and She’s my best friend. 3 months after I gave birth to my 4th, I ran my 5th or 6th marathon along side her as she struggled through her first. An epically hot day and stomach issues proved to make her first marathon absolutely miserable. But we survived. Crossing the line that day with her was just as awesome as when I crossed the line if my first, or my first bq. She swore off marathons forever, but of course relented and just completed her second marathon last year.

She works very hard to financially, emotionally and spiritually support her 6 kids. I love her to bits and she deserves a new running outfit to help her get ready for her next big race.

My 8 month old baby girl inspires me to run! I want to get healthy and in shape, so I can live a long happy life with her and show her a good example of a positive body image. Thanks for the opportunity! :)

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What a wonderful Giveaway to win a Running Top, Bottoms and Shoes from Brooks! I could so totally use all three! Seriously, especially the shoes.

For the Giveaway Question, my Answer: What inspires me to run happy is being able to listen to music and pray and talk to God along my route. I also work out a lot in my mind. Knowing that I’ll have 1+ hours to do that, encourages me to rise early each morning. Hiking and jogging is theraputic for me, as well as good for my body.

~Amy :-)

My fiancee and friends from college. I used to run around campus in college, and my friends and I would have the best conversations. That’s when I first really got into running. Now I go running with my fiancee. We motivate each other to keep going when we really want to stop.

My brother definitely. I would never have started running, let alone triathlons, without him as inspiration.

He’s 39, married to another triathlete and they have three beautiful girls under the age of 5 – with no family (but me and I’m a fair distance) around to help them. Neither of them are obviously athletic, meaning they don’t have the kind of physique that you would instantly recognize given their athletic accomplishments. He’s also 6’1 and 230 pounds, so he’s overweight but never lets any of that stop him. He recently attempted an ironman and did amazing until mile 6 of the run when he got violently sick and couldn’t continue. Even against doctor’s orders he kept trying to run. He finally had to give up on that race after much agony, even though he mentally never gave up and would have crawled his way to the finish if he could have, but almost immediately got back on the training horse and is attempting his second ironman in late september. He never complains about the lack of sleep or getting up at 3 am to train so working out doesn’t eat into his time with his family. He never lets his weight or family or work or heavy training be an obstacle. He’s truly amazing and an inspiration. He doesn’t think so either, which is all the more incredible.

All of the running bloggers I follow (including you!) inspire me. I am challenged to push beyond my limits and do things I never thought I could. So, thank you!

My son is a huge inspiration for me. I love the joy he gets in running and the motivation I get from being a role model for him is huge.

My best friend Brandy is my inspiration! She has run off and on for years and decided to do her first half marathon near me. I drove and dropped her off in the dark that morning and honestly napped in the car while she ran :) But when she finished I was there with her husband and my husband and daughter with signs and hugs and I was so proud! A few years later when I finally decided to give running a try she has been my rock, my adviser and my cheerleader! She has signed up to run MY first half with me this fall – no napping for her! We just ran a tough but awesome 10K together this weekend and crossed the finish line together – so far my favorite running moment!

I just Tweeted and put it up on Facebook!

other runners inspire me! Once I started running I met so many other great people through it, (runners always seem to be nice) and now I’m in a running club in a town near my school and even though I am by far the youngest, all the members in the club inspire me to make time for my run and continue working hard to reach my goals by sharing stories, tips, and spreading the love for running:)

My husband is my running inspiration. He ran my first 5K with me and even when it wasn’t necessarily his idea of fun, he trained with me for my first marathon so I didn’t have to run so far alone. He is a never ending support and helps encourage me along when things get tough. He still will join me for runs as an impromptu date every now and then :)

My inspiration to run is you!! Ever since I’ve found your blog, I’m constantly inspired to put my shoes on and go running. Your positive smile and energetic spirit towards running is felt through your posts. So, thank you!

My younger sister is my inspiration! After a medical diagnosis, she has committed to eating healthy and working out and has lost a significant amount of weight. She also shares her workout DVDs with me :)

For me it’s not just one person. When I am feeling down about my running and I see a story about someone struggling or see a motivational quote it pumps me up. I also get a boost when someone asks me about my recent marathon and gives me a “nice job!” when they hear about my results.

It’s the quality of life running creates that inspires me to run happy. There are plenty of days I don’t feel like waking up to run or I’m just plain grumpy about something. Running reminds me how fortunate I am to be able to do what I do. It reminds me to appreciate the little things around me, to remember what makes me me, and to feel content and happy within my life.

My husband inspires me to ‘Run happy!’ He had always been there to encourage me to Run a little bit farther and faster than I tell myself I can….I wouldn’t be where I am today without his wonderful support and encouragement :-)

My BFF is my running inspiration. She really got into it this past year and is constantly signing up for half marathons and 5Ks. She has inspired me to give it a try and I’m slowly getting into it and falling in love with it too!

demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

I am most inspired by my running group at Mill City. Most of them are much fastser than I am but they always take the time to stop and high-five you when you cross paths or cheer for you during workouts. It helps to know that people care about you doing YOUR best and helping you get better.

My running friends. I don’t think there is one that makes me happier, but I think i got through my last 1/2 marathon because of group runs. Love them!!

My dog is my biggest running inspiration- no matter if i do my long run or fartlek training, she’s always with me and encourages me, even in the rain or the snow. And she taught me to cut back a little in the heat… It’s a picard, a kind of french sheepdog, if you’re curious- she also loves kids. Very special but a perfect match for me!

So many people inspire me to run…from my husband, to my mom, to friends, to just running for those who can’t. But to “run happy”…my dog, Jax, is my inspiration!!! 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 brother! He’s always been athletic (and I’m not) but just within the last few years as an adult, took up running. He’s a natural (BQed his first attempt, beat his goal time in his first 100-miler) and just enjoys running so much and is so positive about his own running and supportive of everyone around him. It’s fun to be around and makes me (almost?!) want to run.

I’m inspired to run happy by the face looking back at me in the mirror everyday. My family thinks I’m crazy, my co-workers are, for the most part, inactive and out of shape (and think I’m crazy), but the feeling I get at the end of a hard workout, finish line of a challenging race, inspires me to keep going. I love how running (and triathlon training) makes me look and feel and at 41 years old (!!) I wouldn’t go back to the 21 year old me for anything!

My grandma with Parkinson’s inspires me to run, and to run with dignity. She means the world to me and comes to every one of my races even if she is stiff or tired. She inspires me to runhappy each and every day!

Who inspires me to Run Happy? – MY BROTHER

He started running after he got married & left home 2 hours away. It went from solo runs out to 8K’s and 10K’s and Half Trails and Full Marathons and Ultra Marathons. He love it so much, I just knew being my best friend growing up he must have a reason to love it. I started doing a 10-minute mile and without feeling like I was going to die, to a 10K 5 weeks later, to a full marathon 1 1/2 years later. We share running tips, we share fuel and hydration gels/gu/chomps, and we share runs and races now as often as we manage. Knowing I’ve completed a tough run, a run in snow or rain, knowing he was doing the same that day, gives me Run Happy.

My sister has run a couple of marathons, and even ran a 10K (uphill) while 7 months pregnant! She inspires me.

My son inspires me! He is only 11 yrs old but has the heart and strength of a runner! He inspired me to quit smoking, put my running shoes back on for the first time in years and get back out there! He is still kicking my butt on a regular basis but I am closing in. He keeps me going daily and keeps reminding me of how worth it this adventure we are sharing is! Every time we race together (and he beats me) to the long runs we do that I have to force him out the door for. It is one of the best things that I could have done for myself and my family….all because of him.

I get my run happy inspiration from all around me…from the runners i read about in magazines and blogs to my friends, family and especially my husband. Anytime i see or read about someone doing great running :) I feel the urge to get out there and do the same.

My husband was my inspiration to start running again, after a decade-long hiatus. He trained for and ran the Richmond Half-Marathon (Va.) and I was so taken by his dedication and commitment. I was way out of shape and, after two kids, desperately needing something to help me get back to “my old self.” So my husband encouraged me to train for and run the half marathon the next year. At that point in time I couldn’t even run a block down the street, so the idea was completely daunting and I thought “I’ll never be able to do it.” But I did! And when, immediately following the half-marathon, I signed up for the full marathon the next year, my husband didn’t even bat an eyelash. Now I have multiple 10Ks and half-marathons under my belt, two marathons (the second one a sub-4:00), and am training for my third full marathon. My husband has been my biggest supporter, my number one fan, the best cheerleader. Any running mama knows that training for a marathon is nearly impossible without some kind of a support network (parents/siblings/partners who are willing to help with things like childcare and household tasks). My support network is my husband, and I thank my lucky stars for him every single day! When I’m out running and having an off day, I push through it knowing that he is making sacrifices so that I can be out there training. And if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today with my running, so I strive to make it all worth it : )

My mom inspires me to run happy! I helped her train for her first half marathon a few years ago and now we have a tradition of doing at least one half marathon together every year. Makes me unbelievably happy to run with her :)

My MRTT group inspires me so much! Don’t know what I would do without them

My running inspiration has always been my dad. He trained and ran several marathons while in medical school and raising a family! That can’t be easy… it always reminds me that no matter what is going on in life, running can help keep you centered. :)

I just shared your give away on Facebook!! :)

To be quite honest, I am the only runner in my family. I stopped for awhile and came across your running blog when you were pregnant with Brooke and you inspired me to get back into it. Heck it you were running while carrying a baby then I surely had no excuse not too :)

My husband, as he is an avid cyclist. I could give every excuse under the sun to not get up early and work out. But he does it rain or shine, very rarely taking a day off. It is his stress relief, his me time. It motivates me to get up and get going as well. My second one is my 13 year old son with special needs. He is now almost as tall as me, and I need to be physically able to care for him in the future, so that means I need to take the time to take are of myself.

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purposedrivenlife4you(at)gmail(dot)com

Without a doubt, it’s my children. I know that when I run, I am setting a good example of a healthy lifestyle for them. They all run too! My two daughters are running cross country in the fall, and all six of them are running a kids marathon (26 miles over the summer.) Today I needed to knock out five miles, and they all took a shift running with me. It wasn’t the fastest running, but it passed quickly and I got to spend time with each of them. Loved it!

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