It’s just about that time my pre-marathon jitters should be kicking in.  I should be tapering, planning where everyone will cheer, drinking massive quantities of water, sleeping 8 hours, cutting out the Diet Cokes and checking the weather every hour.

Funny thing is I’m doing all those things (well, except the Diet Coke part), but I’m not running the marathon on Sunday.  I really thought I would be bummed about that all week.  I’m not.  I realize I have lots of other things to prepare for this weekend.  I also have plenty to be grateful for without being able to run 26.2 miles.  I can run 10 miles.  I have good friends to root on.   And how could I possibly be a good tailgater on Saturday with the marathon hanging over my head?

OK …  Maybe I was the tiniest bit sad about the marathon. That ended quite quickly once I read the following Facebook note from my friend, Sonya. She’s running the Twin Cities 5K. She’s also quite possibly one of the most amazing women I know. (Darcy Pohland is another one.)  Not only does Sonya do a bang-up job as a full-time producer here at WCCO, she’s also a darn good single mom of three great kids. She makes it to all of their games, keeps them on straight and narrow, and has the most fun doing it.  A couple of times a year, she has some health problems that put her in the hospital for days at a time.  Never once, though, have I ever heard her complain.



I can’t read this again because it makes me tear up.  But, I thought you might enjoy a little inspiration.

By Sonya Goins

Just like Forest Gump--I'm going to run. I'm running my first 5K race on Saturday, October 3rd (Medtronic Twin Cities 5K). It's a big deal to me for many reasons. But mainly I'm running because I can.

This time last year, heck even 4 months ago I was sick from Crohn's Disease. Just walking was a challenge (God is good). I made a promise to myself and God that if I were healthy, I would make the most of my good days. I'm running because I can.

I'm not only running this race for me--but I'm running for Carolyn H, Uncle John, Petrina, Mary C, Tazia, and millions of others who suffer from Crohn's. I'm running because I can.

It hasn't been easy getting ready for this race. I had to juggle a lot of things. Going to the gym late at night so I wouldn't miss my kids games. And I've had a few set backs: sprained ankle. But I'm not going to let any hurdles get in the way of me accomplishing my goal. I'm running because I can.

I want to thank my co-workers and friends who have encouraged me to run this race. Rhonda C, Angela B , Paula , Garrett, Cathy H, Jeanette T, Maya N, Kari P, Jon L, Michael B, Heather, Lisa R, and Rachel. I mostly want to thank my kids who are my biggest cheerleaders. A special shout out to Christian, thanks for running with Mommy. I'm running because I can.

I won't be the fastest. Who knows, I might even come in last. But this race isn't about speed--it's about self determination. And I'm determined to cross the finish line. In my mind and in my heart I feel as though I've already won this race. I'm running because I can.