Four weeks prior to my first 5K, I developed a severe case of inflammation and tendonitis. It almost seemed that I would not be able to even run the race. After intensive treatment (and a few cortisone shots) my doctor cleared me to race as long as a I ran with a brace, and kept a slow pace.

During the first mile, I was whining to my then boyfriend (now husband) about how slow I was going and that we would likely be the last runners to finish. He looked at me and said “Babe, today is not about where you finish, but that a) you finish and b) you finish with pride in yourself.”

His comment motivated me so much. And it has stuck with me. I have not raced since that 5K (I am hoping to resume in the fall) but anytime I start a workout I tell myself – to focus on finishing.

During my first half marathon earlier this month, the friend I ran with motivated me so much by reminding me:

run if you can, walk if you must, crawl if you have to – just don’t stop.

It totally worked and got me through until the end without stopping.

I did waffles again this morning, but those pancakes looks awfully tasty!

Now I am going to have that Home, Home on the Range song stuck in my head. Thanks! 😉

Motivational quotes are the best! Have a great day!

I haven’t run any races, but I motivate myself up big hills by humming or whistling “Gonna Fly Now” (the Rocky theme song) haha.

Great signs ladies! My favorite during my marathon was “your legs are hurting because you are kicking butt!!”

I liked the funny signs to take my mind off the race for a few seconds. Two funny signs I remember from the marathon: “run like a Toyota- don’t stop” (after the recall) and “Why didn’t Phidippides die at mile 20?”

Better than a sign, the best idea ever during the marathon was to have my name on my shirt. The whole race route random people would cheer my name.

Someone wore a shirt to a 10k that said “Remember, the tortoise won” referring to the tortoise and the hare story. I loved it and it made me laugh because sometimes I feel bad about not being the fastest runner (9:30-11 min miles usually depending on the distance) but that reminded me I have nothing to feel bad about. I am a runner and I get out there and do 5ks, 10k’s, half marathons…hopefully a full marathon someday!

I didn’t see any signs, but when I ran the Disney Princess Half there were girls dressed up like faeries which totally made me giggle and gave me an energy boost.

Yay! I’m so excited for HLS!

I don’t remember any shirts that got me through, but when I ran my very first marathon, I was coming up on mile 23 and there was a firefighter standing on the side of the road and he said “great job first timer!”

I have no idea what it was about that comment, but I just started crying, and it totally motivated me to keep pushing it. That line will always stand out in my head.

I’m very jealous I can’t attend the healthy living summit 🙁 Would have loved to visit Chicago and meet everyone in person! It seems like it is going to be a blast!

Ha I told my boyfriend (erm… fiancé! need to get used to that) about the “this seemed like a good idea three months ago” shirt/slogan…because that is totally how I feel right now, that my half marathon is three weeks away haha.

I really want to make a sign that says “Chuck Norris never ran a marathon” if I ever go cheer for one.

I have never done a race, but that would make me laugh out loud too!

I saw a shirt that said “Yes I run like a girl and I’m proud of it.” Made me think I didn’t have to beat the boys or be something I wasn’t. I was me and I was proud to be out there running.

I always like to giggle at the shirts that say things like “Will Run 4 Beer” and “My friend made me do this.”

I thought that grilled pineapple at breakfast at first…but grilled apples sound even better!

Every year, I run a very hilly 8.4-mile “Race the Train.” Before my dad passed away, it was our father-daughter race; he would ride the train and cheer me on as I ran. The train stops along the way to cheer on runners. At one stop, my dad was outside clapping and reached out to give me a high five. As I ran by, he yelled after me, “Good job buddy!” The last race that he was able to attend in his wheelchair, he parked on the corner just before the finish line, and as I ran by, he gave me a high five.

I still think of this moment today, not just during races, but tough workouts as well when I need an extra spring to my step.

I ran a pretty hilly 1/2, and several people, before the hardest part, had “It’s all downhill from here! ” signs and were laughing…did they research the course just to be mean, lol? I still got a kick out of it, though.