Joan Laughlin's Posts

inspiration

Posted by Joan Laughlin on September 19, 2009 at 9:02am

I just posted a note on my Facebook page about this beautiful thing that I saw this morning when I was running and then I thought perhaps it should be shared with other runners.I live in Houston and do my long runs at Memorial Park. This morning I saw a man who was about in his early sixties or late fifties. He was running with a younger guy who looked to be in his thirties. The younger guy was obviously blind and had his arm wrapped inside the older man's arm who seemed to be guiding him. Despite the handicap, they were running along at a pretty good clip. It was obvious that this was something they do regularly.I just found this sight to be so profoundly moving and inspirational and wanted to share it. It definitely gave me a different perspective on any weaknesses I think that I have.

Christopher McDougall on The Daily Show

Posted by Joan Laughlin on August 19, 2009 at 4:11pm

Here's a link to Christopher McDougall on The Daily Show last night:http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-august-18-2009/christopher-mcdougall

ultra runners are the hardcore spiritual yogis of the twenty first century

Posted by Joan Laughlin on August 5, 2009 at 8:00am

I'm not the kind of person that says something like this but i just finished reading "Born to Run" and, quite simply, it has changed my life. I could probably write a book on why that is. "Born to Run" is powerful on so many levels. Anyway I am recommending it to everyone I know whether or not they are runners. I believe Christopher McDougall when he says that ultra runners are America's hope for the future.I came across the book serendipitously. I had started training at the beginning of July for the Houston Marathon in January. I am forty-one years old. I ran a few marathons 10-12 years ago. I used to run all the time but for many reasons my practice tapered off, then stopped completely. I ran into a woman I had not seen in years and she asked me if I was still a "crazy runner" and I said, "Oh no, I'm too old. My body can't take that anymore." This interaction rang in my ears for weeks and I thought, "Do I really believe that?" Then I decided to train just to see. Last week, I ran ten miles for the first time in 10 years and was surprised that it felt so easy and that I felt so great afterwards. Then I came across this book. I no longer wonder "if" I can finish the marathon.Thank you Eric for starting this online running community!